State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is highlighting National Senior Center Month this September
“Whether it’s providing community, helping connect seniors to healthcare services, or just giving older adults a place to spend time doing their favorite activities, senior centers are a vital piece of the lives of many seniors in our community,” said Manley. “After a difficult past few years for older adults, it is more important than ever that we are supporting senior centers and the critical work that they do providing for our senior community.”
With September being National Senior Center Month, Manley is encouraging residents of all ages to learn more about the important role that senior centers play in the lives of older adults and their families. Senior centers can provide a variety of much-needed services to older adults, including transportation, education, counseling, legal assistance, and health screenings, and can help provide activities to seniors to help keep them from feeling isolated. For more information on National Senior Center Month or to find a senior center near you, please visit the National Counsel on Aging’s website at ncoa.org/page/national-senior-center-month.
During her time in office, Manley has worked to address the unique issues that the senior community faces. Earlier this year, she passed legislation creating the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program, which will connect Will County grandparents who are the primary caretakers of their grandchildren to services and resources that the state provides. Manley also passed legislation extending the Illinois Lottery’s special scratch-off game that helps fund Alzheimer’s care, support, education and awareness, ensuring that seniors living with Alzheimer’s and their families have the support they need.
“Everyone, regardless of their age, deserves to have the resources available to them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives,” said Manley. “Whether it’s through supporting local resources, such as senior centers, or securing additional funding or programs at the state level, I will continue my work to ensure that the senior community is being heard in Springfield and that their needs are being addressed.”