Each September, the Palm Beach County Community Services Department's Division of Senior Services (DOSS) celebrates National Senior Center Month. Throughout the month, DOSS senior centers host a variety of programs and events to recognize older adults for their contributions and provide information to help them stay healthy and active.

In 2007, the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) designated September as Senior Center Month to give facilities greater flexibility in scheduling celebratory events for seniors. This year's theme is "Senior Centers: Building Momentum."

"Senior centers serve as a gateway to the aging network, connecting seniors to vital community services," said DOSS Director Faith Manfra. "We aim to continue providing innovative programs that can help older adults stay healthy, active, engaged and independent."

DOSS provides seniors with accessible programs and services for assistance needed for their continuum of care, such as nutrition programs, health, fitness, and wellness programs, public benefit counseling, and social and recreational activities.

Participants must be a member of the senior center. To be a member, participants must be at least 55 years old (60 years old for the nutrition program) and complete a senior center registration form. Membership is free; a minimal fee applies to certain classes.

DOSS operates senior centers in Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens and Belle Glade. They are open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Additional services include adult day care, a structured program of therapeutic, social and leisure activities in a monitored setting, and the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) for low-income households with at least one individual 60 years old and older.

To learn more please visit www.pbcgov.org/communityservices/seniorservices or call (561) 355-4746.