Groton Senior Center has received two new grants to increase programming. Groton Senior Center successfully applied for a State of Connecticut CARES ACT grant of $2500. We will be utilizing these funds to purchase items to improve outdoor programming including a large 20’x 40’ tent, fire pits and lumber for a stage. In addition, to increase the WiFi indoors, a new hub to boost the WiFi will be purchased. We are looking forward to using our new purchases for expanding the fun outdoor programs that we offered last summer and fall.
Also, Groton Parks Foundation provided grant funding for us to begin a social calling program. We will be implementing a social connectivity program developed by the Motion Picture Television Fund. Aptly named The Call Hub. The MPTF developed this social phone program to empower organizations to play their part in keeping us all connected. Building upon experience combating social isolation in the entertainment community, MPTF developed an end-to-end solution that enables countless organizations to mobilize social connections – the bedrock of good health and wellbeing.
The Call Hub will facilitate safe, telephonic connections between volunteers and isolated older adults. No phone numbers are shared, just the phone number for the hub. This will allow volunteers to contribute to the community from the safety of their own home. The hub will allow the senior center to track the number of calls to individuals, the length of time for the calls in an effort to meet the needs of isolated older adults. The goal of this program is to have individuals feel validated and connected to other people with similar interests and values through the utilization of weekly phone calls.