The CourAGE to Care
Do You Have The CourAGE to Care?
The department of gerontology launched an outreach campaign to attract new and returning students to pursue an education in aging. The campaign entitled, The CourAGE to Care, will feature students, alumni and community agencies who have The CourAGE to Care. We want others to see what we see – The CourAGE to Care in action! We look forward to sharing students, alumni, and agencies stories with you.
The Intercultural Senior Center has moved!
Their new address is:
5545 Center StreetOmaha, NE 68106
Phone: 402-444-6529
www.interculturalseniorcenter.org
Our Purpose
At the Intercultural Senior Center, we believe that elders deserve dignity, wellness, and the opportunity to share their talents and wisdom with others.
Many seniors in our community, in particular immigrant and refugee seniors, have physical and mental health, education, emotional, and legal needs that go unmet. They are isolated by poverty, language and cultural barriers, and few transportation options. ISC actively welcomes seniors from around the world with culturally-appropriate, high-quality services and programs.
Our mission is to improve the dignity, quality of life and physical well-being of seniors from around the world through advocacy, education, access to social services, and cultural enrichment activities that benefit the entire community.
We envision an Omaha that values the wisdom and experience of our diverse elders and creates opportunities for them to embrace and enhance their community.
Our History
The Intercultural Senior Center was founded in 2009 by Carolina Padilla. She brought together a group of twelve women with the goal of providing services to elderly immigrants in the community.
At the beginning ISC served mainly Latino seniors, and in 2013 we started welcoming refugee seniors from Sudan, Somalia, Bhutan, Nepal, and Burma (Karen population) and native English speakers as well.
With bilingual English/Spanish staff members, interpreters for the languages of the refugees, and door-to-door transportation by van, we ensure that everyone can participate fully in our programs regardless of language ability, income, or physical mobility.
Programs and Services
At ISC, our programs and services promote overall well-being for all seniors. We provide door-to-door transportation, a light breakfast, and a nutritious lunch every day, in addition to the following life-enhancing programs.
Health & Wellness
• Daily exercise classes (Tai-Chi, Zumba, and strength training with hand weights)
• Lunch served daily
• Wellness checks, including periodic blood pressure and diabetes checks
• Health presentations on topics such as nutrition, dementia, and disease prevention
• Gardening
• Foot care clinic
• Monthly food pantry through a partnership with Heart Ministry Center
Social Services
• Case management with a licensed social worker
• Legal assistance with establishing medical power of attorney
• Grandparent Support Group
• Mental Health and Grief Support Groups
• Caregiver Support Group
Life-Long Learning
• English classes
• Basic literacy classes
• Beginning Spanish classes
• Computer/smart phone classes
• Citizenship classes
• Arts
• Games and crafts
• Music
• Sewing
Community Engagement
• Civic activities and holiday celebrations
• Field trips
• Cultural performances in the community
• Intergenerational activities
Transportation
ISC offers van transportation to clients depending on availability, location in the city, and other factors. Transportation options are discussed during the intake process. Please contact ISC for more information.
How You Can Help at ISC click here.
Check out ISC's new home.
Check out ISC's Facebook page.
Senior Testimonials
We recently asked our Seniors what they liked best about visiting the Intercultural Senior Center. Here are a few of their responses (translated, in some cases, with the help of ISC interpreters). We encourage you to stop in and check out the center for yourself!
“Now, I can write my name! I can sign my name and don´t have to just put X.”
“It has helped me learn a lot about English.”
“I see improvement in my health by doing exercises.”
“Now, I can do my own shopping at store by myself.”
“It has helped me get friends and not spend all day at home.”
“I used to feel very depressed and now coming to the Center I feel very happy.”
“I improve my health, and I receive foods and help.”
“I have a connection with friends who came from different place, different culture.”
“I can see my improvement in my English, and now I am more confident to go around my community and talk with my relatives and friends.”
I used to feel very sad at home lonely and now coming to ISC has improved the way I feel. I am more free and I have friends and feel empower.
“I enjoy every activities and it make me happy.”
Past CourAGE to Care Honorees:
AAA's - click Here to view their story
AARP - click Here to view their story
Alzheimer's Association - Click Here to view their story
Career Opportunities - Click Here
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home - click Here to view their story
Joey Cadek – click Here to view his story
Care Consultants for the Aging – click Here to view their story
Judy Dierkhising – click Here to view her story
Emily Drummy – click Here to view her story
Glenda Hallberg – click Here to view her story
Jeannie Hannan – click Here to view her story
Methodist Hospital - click Here to view their story
DD Launderville – click Here to view her story
Austin Wilson – click Here to view his story