Welcome to the Orcas Senior Center Nonprofit (OSC)!
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OSC Mission Statement
Orcas Senior Center (OSC), Orcas District of the Senior Services Council of San Juan County 501(c)3, engages the community to provide services, advocacy, and support needed so that people live and age well on Orcas Island. ~ Orcas Senior Center Operations Committee |
2018 Holiday Events at the Senior Center!
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Find out whats happening at the OSC!Let's Start a Conversation...
Aging in the Salish Sea A Note from Tom Eversole, Hearts & Hands Director There is a myth that seniors on Orcas Island are well off and can access services they need through private or public resources. My observations as Director of the Hearts and Hands program since November 2017 are different, and the need for support services for elders is growing. By 2020, more than half of islanders will be 55 or older, according to the State of Washington’s Forecasting Division. Visit our Aging on Orcas page for a fuller discussion of these and other issues confronting island elders (i.e., all of us someday). Hearts and Hands Program
The Orcas Senior Center, the Orcas District of the Senior Services of San Juan County 501(c)3, and United Way of San Juan County support the Hearts and Hands program. Do you know of an Orcas resident that could benefit from companionship or are you interested in becoming a Hearts and Hands volunteer? Visit our Hearts and Hands page to learn more!
OSC Nonprofit Launches Rx Assistance Program: Meet John Slater!
I am so pleased to be living on Orcas and becoming a part of this wonderful community. While I have been visiting my retired parents here for over 20 years, I decided upon completion of my bachelor’s degree in Psychology just over two years ago to relocate to Orcas and help my parents continue to enjoy their idyllic life here for as long as possible. It is with this objective in mind that I began engaging with OSC - which happily has the same objective for all its members! It is a privilege to be part of OSC’s effort as coordinator of the Orcas Rx Assist Program created by Melissa Lowry last year. It is my desire for the Program to reach everyone on Orcas who is struggling with the high cost of their prescription medications. With the same level of trustworthiness and discretion that Melissa established, I want to help as many islanders as possible enjoy their lives here for as long as possible, too! If you would like to learn more about our services, please give me a call at: 360.888.0510.The Orcas Senior Center (OSC) Nonprofit is pleased to announce the start of a new program designed to help seniors who qualify obtain prescription medicines at reduced or no cost. The Rx Assist Program provides help finding, completing and submitting on-line applications to companies like GoodRX that provide medications at reduced costs. Although OSC provides assistance, it does not retain personal or medical information. Clients must submit the application (in paper or online) themselves. Most participating pharmacies are off-island, but several will ship some medications by mail. The program was piloted by Melissa Lowry during the summer of 2017. This year Melissa updated the program in preparation for its fall debut, serving 30 clients and saving them $24,605 in 2018. The program is staffed by John Slater. To find out more about the OSC’s Rx Assistance Program or to make an appointment, call John at 360.888.0510 or email John at orcasrxassist@gmail.com Sessions are private and confidential. The program offers regular office hours on Tuesdays in the Hearts and Hands Office, Room 29, at the Orcas Senior Center. Thanks to the community's support, we will be starting a Senior Technology Access and Learning initiative for 2018-2019. We hope to join forces with Orcas teens, Caregivers, and Rock Island to make this project the a powerful offering and collaboration for our community. Interested in joining our tech grant planning committee? Contact us today!
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As on of its new initiative programs, the Orcas Senior Center Nonprofit (OSC) is taking this opportunity to roll out its Senior Preparedness Series. This effort is designed to raise awareness about ways seniors can prepare for emergencies as well as special considerations for vulnerable islanders. OSC Members and the Public are invited to participate in monthly activities that prepare them to survive emergencies, access PERS, assist others and shelter in place if necessary, to ensure we can all age well, safely, on Orcas.
For more information, the below article contains a lot of good ideas, tips, and links to CDC’s website. The “Care Plan Template” is fairly in-depth but even filling out portions of it could be helpful, especially for those that are unable to leave their home or have memory barriers. 
Thank you for your support to help our island THRIVE and Age Well on Orcas! Every dollar adds value to our efforts, programs, services and offers a helping hand. Donations can be made via the below link. Checks can be made payable to Orcas Senior Center and mailed to: Orcas Senior Center, PO Box 1653, Eastsound, WA 98245 or DONATE ONLINE - NEW OPTION!
2017-18 OICF Grant Aging in Place: OSC Survey and Study - Read the full report!
Come enjoy a cup of coffee or a sip of tea with friends at our self-serve coffee shop NOW OPEN Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9am-noon. Refreshments and goodies available are free to all as this offering is part of the new initiatives launched from last year’s Challenge Grant. Watch for more new initiatives!!!
Come exercise with us! Take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The Senior Center has an amazing team of local and experienced instructors who have created classes tailored to a variety of physical abilities. Interested in a class – come check us out and meet our instructors, the first class is free!
RENEW TODAY!
New Annual Membership Process - Your Membership will be valid for ONE YEAR from the date of application/renewal. TO JOIN or RENEW MEMBERSHIP ONLINE scroll down to complete the online Membership Form. Once you have completed your form, you will be given the option to pay membership dues online. DOWNLOAD/PRINT MEMBERSHIP FORM Connect with us on Facebook, sign up for email updates below, and come on down to the Orcas Senior Center! Do you have membership questions or ideas on how we can enhance our offerings? We would love to hear your feedback – please reach out to the Senior Center to share your thoughts!
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