|
Neighborhood Centers and the Isla Carroll Turner Friendship Trust help seniors maintain their independence
We are proud to recognize the Isla Carroll Turner Friendship Trust as a longstanding philanthropic partner of our initiative to support seniors in independent living through centers that promote healthy, active lifestyles. The Trust was formed in 1956 to help take care of the needs of 13 of Mrs.  Turner’s elderly friends. Now, more than half a century later, it invests several million dollars each year for the benefit of Texas seniors.
The Trust focuses exclusively on the elderly, which is just fine with Executive Director Patricia Stilley. “We’re all aging,” she says. “Between 2032 and 2037, 60 percent of the U.S. population will be 65 and older. Many of them will be living alone. What are we doing for them?”
Neighborhood Centers offers a robust seniors program, with structured activities that promote physical fitness and mental wellness, opportunities for socialization and civic engagement, and a nutritious meal each weekday. Mrs. Stilley has seen several of our centers firsthand while doing site visits in support of the Trust’s grantmaking.
“There are always a lot of activities at the senior centers,” she says. “Programs run smoothly, and the seniors are  involved. They’re learning how to maintain their health, and they’re involved in activities that actually help improve their health. They’re not left in a room to fend for themselves – they’re active, and to me that’s critical.”
Helping seniors stay active is important to Neighborhood Centers too, and we’re grateful for the Isla Carroll Turner Friendship Trust’s support. If you'd like to visit one of our senior centers or learn more about Neighborhood Centers Senior Services, email us.
|