A new direction
The Coles County Council on Aging is poised to enter a new and exciting phase of its service to county residents. Faced with a significant growth in number and needs of older adults, intense competition for funding and the challenges of too-small and deteriorating facilities, the Council revisited its mission and began to look for solutions. The result is a plan that would not only allow the Council to continue to meet its mission to fill the diverse needs of the county’s older adults, but would also expand to embrace new age groups.
The LifeSpan Center will provide a modern and attractive environment offering the infrastructure, technology, equipment, furnishings – and space – to support current and future programming. But the center is more than just a bricks-and-mortar solution to facilities problems. It is a concept that will afford opportunities for young and old alike to meet, interact and enjoy sharing skills, interests and experience.
As Baby Boomers begin to reach retirement age and the average life expectancy continues to rise (now at 76.5 years), the plus-60 age group will place greater demands on health care and human service providers. By targeting the younger end of the senior spectrum, the Coles County Council on Aging can tailor programming to address more health, wellness and fitness needs with the goal of keeping adults healthier, active and independent longer.
Much of that vitality will spring from the quality of the activities in which older adults engage. The intergenerational programming of the LifeSpan Center will allow them to share the many benefits of their life experience with young people. In turn, the young people will garner a sense of achievement by working with older adults on projects and helping those in need. The mutual benefit afforded by linking generations will enrich the lives of participants and, ultimately, serve to strengthen our community.
Genesis of the LifeSpan Center
The idea of a LifeSpan Center evolved through necessity. The two aging buildings currently housing the senior centers in Mattoon and Charleston are small and hold no potential for growth. Increasingly, program directors, support staff, volunteers and clients have been forced to “make do” with existing facilities. In addition, running duplicate programs in two separate locations spreads available resources too thin.
The Council’s planning process identified the compelling need and potential benefits of consolidating current operations into one new, centrally located facility. It also presented a unique opportunity to consider broadening its mission to incorporate new age groups and expanded programming. In 1999, the Council conducted a feasibility study and prepared a business plan based on proposed consolidation and construction. Late in 2000, a community advisory committee, composed of a group of dedicated and respected community leaders, completed an external assessment to gain insight and suggestions regarding the development of the LifeSpan Center. Their findings not only underscored the need to expand current programs and services offered, but also identified five additional categories worthy of serious consideration: technology, intergenerational programming, caregiver resources, expanded health and fitness offerings and enhanced culture/arts programming. Early in 2001, community focus groups yielded valuable input that has helped shape the LifeSpan Center concept.
Following these meetings, the Council began to investigate funding and a location. Now, with the site selected and a building plan in hand, the Coles County Council on Aging is ready to move ahead with the LifeSpan Center. Ground breaking date is contingent upon the completion date of the fund drive. |
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