Give 5: Services for Older Citizens

I had the privilage of helping out Tuesday as a volunteer for Services for Older Citizens during their International Taste Fest held at their Waterloo Street center. Not only did the first event draw quite a crowd, but it held a festive, friendly atmosphere where the area's seniors socialized, tasted and learned. 

Volunteering as the Grosse Pointe Patch editor is part of our company's Give 5 program, which allows employees across the country to give back to their specific community. 

The 33-year-old organization, , housed in the same building with the Neighborhood Club and its Thrift Store is known for the variety of services it offers to seniors living in the Pointes and Harper Woods. Tuesday's Taste Fest is just one of the many social opportunities the organization offers.

About 130 seniors of 175 who registered for the event attended. They toured foods from around the world including Mexico, Switzerland, Poland and more. Tables for 35 vendors featured a taste from a particular country and information about healthy living, assisted living, senior offerings within the community and more. 

Executive Director Sharon Maier along with dozens of staff members and volunteers chatted with the seniors during their walking tour. She said she loves that the event was similar to an expo but much more social. 

The organization tries to enable seniors to live independently by providing them the appropriate tools and services, she said,  noting the variety of vendors from area hospitals, senior living communities, doctors, home care networks, estate planning and attorneys who specialize in law related to seniors. 

The many seniors I had contact with during my few hours helping out raved about the food and the event itself. They lined the halls of the organization's offices, talking and eating. 

Many were regulars who knew the staff and participate in many of the organization's programs. The sense of community among the seniors was refreshing, and even encouraging.

The seniors voted on best food and best table decorations. Winners were announced at the end of the event, which was organized by SOC Development Associate Taylor Huber. She was pleased with the turnout. 

The winners were as follows: 

Best Food

• First Place:
• Second Place: PAATS
• Third Place: American House

Best Table Decorations

• First Place:
• Second Place:
• Third Place: Peace of Mind Home Care

Not only was this a fun experience for volunteering but I also got to meet several more Grosse Pointers. Services for Older Citizens offers many programs, including Meals on Wheels for homebound seniors, a medical equipment lending closet, transportation services and home care services.