Portage Commons invites the community to tour new networking hub for seniors
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Portage Commons, a project led by Portage Township in partnership with REAL Services, was designed to combat a growing issue among older adults and tackle social isolation.
As you enter, the center Portage Commons will soon be a vibrant new networking hub for seniors in South Bend located on the corner of Colfax and William Street.
Jason Critchlow, the Portage Township Trustee says this building used to house South Bend’s first teacher’s Credit Union which will now be utilized as a space designed to keep older adults active and engaged with their community.
“I think what's really cool about this space is it's being designed by the seniors themselves. Real services have an ambassador program, so it's basically a team of seniors who have helped, and they're going to be working through the design of that work is not going to end. That. Work is just going to continue. As we move along. It really needs to be adapted to what seniors want in their community center. I might have an idea of what I think it should be, but they have an entirely different idea of what it should be. So, we're really excited about that," said Critchlow.
Amenities will include a multi-purpose activity room for board games, arts & crafts, and even a weekly therapy dog.
Sandy Chambers, the Volunteer Service Manager at REAL Services It’s not just about activities, leaders say Portage Commons is about building relationships.
“They have been flocking in I have had several stop just this morning they are super excited to get in here we have folks that are wanting to bring forth euchre games and poker tournaments and genealogy classes so just culminating all these rich resources within our community to help each other out is going to be phenomenal,” said Chambers.
The community is invited to the open house from 11am-2pm where seniors will be able to preview planned activities and connect with some local residents.
Officials are calling the new hub a place where seniors can stay active, engaged and most importantly connected.
“What we're fighting here, we're fighting here is social isolation, and that's becoming a really big deal in the senior community, especially post COVID We've seen that ourselves here at Portage Township, our Healthy Eating program, our nourish program, which was cooking classes that took place all throughout the community. I can't tell you how many people came to those classes and said, This is the first time I've really gotten out of the house for something since COVID. And I think that's significant, and it's something that not people, not a lot of people, are paying attention to, “said Critchlow.
Once the senior center fully opens on April 1st where seniors can expect a full line-up of monthly activities, workshops, and programs to boost their physical and well-being.
To take a look at their center’s official calendar, Visit.