The Gibson Center
Proudly Serving Senior Citizens
The Gibson Center for Senior Services is a non-profit corporation providing services to senior citizens of Northern Carroll County since 1979. Our goal is to enable seniors to remain in their homes, while maintaining a high level of independence and quality of life through the offering of an evolving array of programs and services. Our programs are designed to serve the needs of these active and passive senior residents through nutrition programs (home delivery, congregate meals and nutrition education), transportation programs for the elderly and disabled to help meet their daily living needs, social and educational programs to enable them to stay actively involved in their communities with purpose and dignity, and referral and networking programs with related community service agencies.
From The Director’s Desk
Anyone else noticing that the days are longer and lighter? I love the glimpse February brings to the coming seasons even as we are in midwinter.
Like the feeling of hope in February amidst the reality of cold, we are experiencing the contrasts of joyful anticipation against the stark restrictions of a persistent, COVID world.
On one hand we are thriving – serving over 150 meals a day through Meals on Wheels and our Grab and Go lunches and looking for ways to expand every day. The Thrift Store had its best November EVER and December was remarkable as well. Dropped off donations can be accepted any weekdays now from 9:00-12:00. Because of exceptional generosity and awareness of what we do and who we serve, we are surpassing our best expectations for the Winter Appeal in donations. We thank everyone who has made that true.
Gladly we have the buses back on the roads for non-medical trips. Most importantly we are going to be able to offer our transportation to non-driving seniors who need help getting to their vaccination appointments. These will be a priority. We have ordered our new bus (replaces our 2003 workhorse) and hope to have it on the road in the spring.
On the flip side, we have had to remain on split shifts. Staff are here every other day, because COVID is rampant and this is our commitment to keeping each other safe and making sure our meals are prepared and delivered. As of this writing, Phase 1B is open for vaccination appointments but there is no priority for Meals on Wheels drivers, kitchen staff or servers. Our activity room remains quiet. We are anticipating our congregate dining will be closed until summer.
My analogy holds – farmers order their seeds in mid-winter planning their crops months out. We are planning our Craft Fairs, Picnics, Trips, Galas, Hikes, Dining and more. It will come. We will be so, so ready.
Marianne Jackson, MD
Executive Director
Gibson Center Donation – Northway Bank Press Release
Northway Bank is a proud supporter of the Gibson Center for Senior Services and has donated 10 laptops to the Gibson Center to “Equip, Train and Connect” seniors to internet technology during the pandemic. Many seniors in the Mount Washington Valley have experienced social isolation and reduced access to healthcare since March.
The intent of the program is to be sure all participants can use email, complete internet searches, join Zoom and TeleHealth conferences.
Seven senior citizens have already signed up for the learning sessions.
