Network with other Seniors in our surrounding Communities
Learn about resources, community events, activities and more!
The Senior Connect gathering is at SMC on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 8:15 a.m. Join us for coffee, morning treats and good company!
Meeting Dates—
Senior Connect
Network with other Seniors in our surrounding Communities!
The Seniors Connect gathering is at SMC on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 8:15 a.m. Join us for coffee, morning treats and good company! Learn about resources, community events, activities and more.
Why join us? What is this group about?
As people age, staying socially connected becomes just as important as staying physically
active; yet many older adults experience isolation due to retirement, mobility changes, health
concerns, or the loss of friends and loved ones. Tammy Sassaman, LCSW the Behavioral Health
Supervisor at Saunders Medical Center approached Stacie Sabatka, MS the Director of Clinic’s
about this exact need. Tammy was seeing this more and more within her practice, SMC ‘s
patient population as well as in the community.
After some discussion, The Senior Connect Group was created to address this challenge by
offering a welcoming space where seniors can connect, engage, and belong. Tammy holds this
group on a monthly basis and the attendance has steadily grown over the past 2 years – initially
3-5 participants to now an average of 12-16. The local senior center even changed their Tai Chi
time to allow participants to be able to attend both groups!
The Senior Connect program is designed to bring older adults together through shared
activities, conversations and mutual support. The program creates opportunities for seniors to
form friendships, share life experiences and remain actively engaged in their community.
At the heart of the Senior Connect Group is the belief that: everyone deserves to be seen,
heard and valued. The program offers a safe, friendly environment where participants are
encouraged to try new things and build connections at their own pace.
There is no pressure to “fit in” just an open invitation to join, participate and enjoy being a part
of a community.
Those who participate in the group often report:
- Reduced feeling of loneliness and isolation
- Increased social confidence
- Improved emotional well-being
- Renewed enthusiasm for community involvement.
Saunders Medical Center’s goal for this program is to help in the broader movement toward
healthier, more connected communities. By investing in this, we can help ensure our seniors
remain an active and valued part of our communities.
