About the Coordinating Council for Senior Citizens

The Council is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt agency,
governed by a Board of Directors. It began as a Committee on Successful Aging in 1949. In 1951, the Golden Age Society was created and admitted to membership in the Durham United Way. During the years, 1951-1966, the agency organized Golden Age Clubs in neighborhoods, brought informative speakers into Durham, conducted surveys and scheduled a crafts teacher in nursing homes. The stated goal of the agency is to foster a comprehensive array of services accessible and acceptable to older adults (60+) living in Durham. In 1966, the Board of Directors received a grant of $10,000 from Older American Act Title III funds for the coordination and development of services for older adults. In 1968, the name was officially changed to Coordinating Council for Senior Citizens, now commonly shortened to Council for Senior Citizens, to more precisely reflect the organization as a service agency with the unique role of offering opportunities and services in Senior Centers. Presently eight Centers are in operation. The Area Agency on Aging has formally designated this network of Centers as focal points on aging.

Vision

Our vision is to be the acknowledged community leader in providing or coordinating programs designed to improve the quality of life of older adults and those who care for them.

Programs/Services

Key programs at the Council for Senior Citizens are:
1) Social and Senior Center Services, 2) Congregate Nutrition and 3) Adult Day Health Services.

Social and Senior Center Services

Focuses on seniors who live independently in the community and on ways to foster that independence. Senior centers are a network of focal points for service delivery. The centers promote community involvement, life-long learning, physical health, and social well being through a range of opportunities and services. The program includes several distinct services designed to address strengths and needs of Durham’s population of individuals 60 years of age and older, and those who care about them. Programs include: 1) Senior Centers; 2) Health Promotion (including education, exercise, screening, and Health Guidance Clinics); 3) Transportation; 4) Information and Case Assistance; 5) Caregiver Support Services and 6) Adult Day Services.

Congregate Nutrition

CSC ensures that Durham’s older adults, who often eat poorly due to isolation, physical, or emotional problems; have access to at least one balanced meal five days per week. There are 7 senior centers throughout Durham.

Adult Day Health Services

Provides a safe alternative to more costly institutional care for those older adults who need supervision at all times. The services offer their loved ones respite from the daytime demands of caregiving.

Community Partners

The Council has cooperative linkages with other agencies and negotiated contracts for services to meet unmet needs of the elderly population.