RANCHO SANTA FE — With each passing year, the Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center has afforded people and their families a destination of genuine care and compassion. And punctuating this care are the excellent senior programs and services they offer throughout the year.
As the chapter of 2015 has come to a close, the RSF Senior Center will continue to enhance the services individuals have come to enjoy and rely on in 2016.
“Our mission is to assist seniors in maintaining their health, welfare and safety while respecting their need for independence, self-esteem and dignity,” said Terrie Lintwin, the executive director at RSF Senior Center.
Lintwin said this is their mission statement that they use as a framework when planning their programs and classes.
According to Lintwin, the senior center spends the year doing things that support health issues, including an array of wellness topics.
“We have programs that stimulate creativity like our writers’ workshop and our music class to keep people learning and growing,” she said, noting how these classes also encourage socialization and friendship.
While all of their classes have this dynamic, she said, they also host events that draw a larger crowd such as their July 4 luncheon.
Assistant director at the RSF Senior Center, Cheryl Ford, said how she also enjoys the other levels of service they provide.
“Something that I feel really proud of with the organization is the resource and referral program. People can call us if they have any questions about service providers or any questions about navigating through some of the challenges associated with what comes along with aging,” Ford said. “Terrie and I are happy to meet with people one on one or over the phone.”
The feedback from this program has been an immense welcome to seniors and their families because of the direction and assistance it affords.
“We’re really proud of being able to support people that way,” Ford said.
Lintwin also pointed out how they are able to help family members who may be living long distance while their senior loved ones remain in the Ranch. Even with the miles in between, the RSF Senior Center works hard to address and be a link to those aging needs.
For Lintwin, her job means a great deal to her.
“It’s an opportunity to use the skills and knowledge that I’ve gained over all these years to help people and to really feel like we’re able to make a difference in the lives of our seniors,” she said.
Ford agreed with Lintwin with this feeling on a personal level.
“I really love the connection with people and being able to work and come alongside them when they are going through some challenges,” Ford said. “Just providing that one-on-one kindness, support and compassion is special.”
Lintwin and Ford look forward to 2016 as they enhance their programs and services even more.
“We appreciate the support of our donors and our participants,” Lintwin said. “And we look forward to another great year.”
