Given the rapidly growing senior populace, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i remains dedicated to creating and providing services that keep seniors engaged and independent. Services include case management, transportation, chore and housekeeping, affordable housing, respite for caregivers, socialization and volunteer opportunities. In addition, the organization manages the popular Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center, which offers individuals supportive services that help them maintain independence in the community.
The Center serves as a gathering place for seniors in the Fort Shafter to Ward area, providing more than 40 monthly programs. The schedule includes exercise classes and activities, arts and crafts, singing and musical instrument instruction, as well as dance classes in hula, tap, and ethnic Japanese, Korean and Portuguese. Special workshops include tax preparation, stress management, health maintenance and defensive driving.
Seniors also have the opportunity to participate in the Center’s many cultural clubs. For example, the Okinawa Nenchosha Club, the Center’s largest group, recently observed birthdays for more than 40 members who are 90 years or older, including two who are over 100 years young. The celebration included traditional entertainment by Toguchi-Nakasone Sensei.
“We have seen the tremendous difference our program makes in this community,” says Diane Terada, division administrator at Catholic Charities Hawai‘i. “Not only are members living to celebrate their 90- and 100-year birthdays, they are living a very active lifestyle where they are engaged and enjoying every day, meeting new people and trying different activities. At Lanakila, we know seniors thrive in a vibrant environment and we’re looking forward to continue supporting this community.”
For more information on Lanakila Multi-purpose Senior Center or other senior services provided by Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, please call (808) 847-1322 or visit online at www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org.
Leave a Reply