Flint, Michigan – One of Flint’s beloved community assets, the Hasselbring Senior Center, is about to undergo major management changes. Beginning in January, the City of Flint will take all responsibility for center servicing and maintenance after the Flint City Council failed to authorize an extended lease with the current operator.
The decision was influenced by the expiration of the current lease agreement and the City Council’s recent postponement of a vote on a new contract. Consequently, city officials—Ed Taylor, Chief of Staff for the City of Flint—have opted to use direct authority to guarantee continuity and improvement of services for the senior population of the city.
“This change will allow us to put all of the senior millage funding toward services for seniors,” said Ed Taylor, Chief of Staff for the City of Flint. “Our seniors are an important part of our community, and we are going to make sure this is a positive change that will result in an enhanced level of services for seniors including more field trips, personalized events, and activities they can enjoy and benefit from in a safe space.”
Focusing on building more interesting, fun, and useful experiences in a safe setting, the city intends to offer a range of fresh events and services catered to seniors. More field trips and tailored programs meant to increase the social and leisure choices for seniors are part of the suggested improvements.
“We need more activities for the seniors,” said Billings. “We need to be able to go on more field trips like we used to. Instead of spending over 60 percent of the money for the center on salaries, we could go on more field trips and get better programs. I’d like to see more programs to help seniors become more technologically inclined.”
For those who depend on the center as a major component of their social life and welfare, the city’s takeover guarantees that there will be no closure of the facility and no disruption in current services. Mayor Neeley has said ahead of time that he intends to actively interact with elders at Hasselbring to better grasp their needs and preferences. These conversations are meant to help the center’s future offers match the needs and interests of the elders.
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The city’s proactive approach is considered as a vital first step in preserving and improving the quality of life for Flint’s elderly population, thereby guaranteeing that Hasselbring Senior Center stays a dynamic center for the community.