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Susan Tomanio, LCSW
Director
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Address:
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10 Elmwood Place
Danbury, CT 06810
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Telephone:
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203-797-4686
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About Us:
The Department of Elderly Services seeks to improve the quality of life of Danbury citizens age 50 or better through the Elmwood Hall Senior Center, the Municipal Agent’s Office for the Elderly, the Van Transportation Program, and the SeniorNet Learning Center. With a focus on reaching out to those most vulnerable and in need, we develop resources and programs that will help them thrive and lead enriched lives.
The Municipal Agent’s Office provides information, referrals and outreach services that provide older citizens with up to date information on ConnPACE, Medicare, Rent Rebate, Tax Credits, Senior Housing and a host of other important issues affecting them.
The SeniorNet Learning Center provides a friendly, low-risk environment where senior students use a computer and share computing experiences. SeniorNet strives to build a community of computer literate adults.
Elmwood Hall, often thought of as the club for people age 50 or better or just “the club,” hosts a variety of programs in the areas of health and wellness, benefits and support, education, leisure time activities, fun and celebrations, and volunteerism. A newsletter titled “The Elmwood Extra” is a bi-monthly publication that keeps all our members up to date on what’s going on.
The Van Transportation Program provides rides to Elmwood Hall activities, volunteer work, outings, medical appointments, etc. in the community.
The Commission on Aging is a nine-member appointed council of volunteers. The Commission offers guidance for the department and ensures that the department is abled to provide the valuable services and programs it currently offers. They have recently published a second edition of the very popular “Contractors Guide” to assist seniors with finding contractors who offer senior discounts and solid service. A “Friends of Danbury Seniors” group, “The Prime Timers,” continues to support the department’s many programs and large events.
Our Accomplishments:
The department operates out of two buildings, the Old Jail, which is home to the Municipal Agent’s Office and SeniorNet and Elmwood Hall, which houses the department’s social/recreational “club.” The Municipal Agent’s Office served approximately 4,000 citizens with a variety of services. SeniorNet held 18 classes and welcomed 151 students who were part of specially designed custom class that met individual needs.
Elmwood Hall was visited by countless older citizens throughout the year who spent time with friends and enjoyed 1,500 program offerings. The department reached its goal set last fiscal year of continuing to diversify our programming so as to meet the upcoming needs of baby boomers, as well as continuing to meet the needs of the current population.
One hundred people participated in our Van Transportation Program. Most trips were to Elmwood Hall, others included medical appointments, shopping, employment, outings and transportation for Elmwood Hall’s own volunteer program that includes visits to nursing homes to entertain residents.
Plans for the expansion of Elmwood Hall continued to move forward as we look to obtain additional property to increase parking and expansion of the building. Our overall goal remains that of housing all four departmental programs under one roof.
Finally, fund raising efforts continued directly through the city or through “The Prime Timers, Inc.” and “Friends of Danbury Seniors” fund raising group. A variety of fundraisers and donations brought in a total of over $5,000. Fundraisers included: our annual tag sale, a BBQ Sox Hop, raffles of a hand painted scarf and hand crocheted bedspread, and our annual Holiday raffle. Monthly evening ballroom dance fundraisers are now planned with the first one to take place this year. The Department of Elderly Services continues to take pride in serving each of Danbury’s older citizens and looks forward to meeting their upcoming needs in the future.