Speaking in front of a crowd of nearly 200 people, Councilman Curren Price announced the expansion of critical programs and services for older adults at the Estelle Van Meter Multipurpose Senior Center grand re-opening and ribbon cutting on March 8.
Councilman Price recently secured a historic, annual budget allocation of about $500,000 for the center in Council District 9, allowing older adults in the community to benefit from a variety of free services, including: transportation; hot lunch and groceries; classes and recreational activities; legal assistance; and in-home support services.
“Today, more than half a million people age 60-years-old and older live in the city of Los Angeles,” said Councilman Price. “I’m deeply committed to honoring our older adult population and making South LA a more vibrant community for all ages.”
The Estelle Van Meter Multipurpose Senior Center will also provide CalFresh and Medicare enrollment on-site. As a result of the budget allocation, the center will offer free transportation for local seniors to get to doctor appointments or go grocery shopping, among other things.
“I’m excited for the computer classes, Spanish-language classes, health classes and memory classes, which I need!” said Betty Clemons, a longtime CD 9 resident who attended the celebration.
Rogelio Garcia, who was also there for the grand-reopening, added, “I’m thrilled because this Senior Center is close to my home, making it convenient for me to be a part of the South LA community. It’s also extremely welcoming to every resident in the area and allows us to take advantage of much-needed services that contribute greatly to our everyday lives.”
The multipurpose center, at 7600 S. Avalon Blvd., Los Angeles 90003, was originally founded 35 years ago by South Los Angeles activist Estelle Van Meter. For more information on the free programming and services available, call Councilman Price’s Constituent Service Center at (323) 846-2651.
