Center supports seniors despite funding hurdles

Members of a dance class at the CenterOn Monday evenings, Jack and Ruth Ann Loew drive about one mile to 602 Sawyer Terrace for dinner. They sit together, conversing with other couples over a tasty meal, served to them in courses. Their dining destination is the West Madison Senior Center and tonight, chicken, beets, rolls and ambrosia are on the menu.

In 2010, the United States Census bureau found that nearly 22 percent of Dane County citizens are currently over 55 years old. The Loews are two of them. Jack served as an aircraft mechanic in World War II and married Ruth Ann in 1948. The newlyweds moved from Milwaukee to Madison, where Jack began working at the University of Wisconsin as a refrigeration repairman. After 36 years, he retired.

The Loews are just one example of the diverse senior population that utilizes the West Madison Senior Coalition's services.

One of five functioning senior centers in Madison, the west Madison facility operates under the Coalition with the simple goal of keeping senior citizens as independent as possible, for as long as possible. Located near the Midvale Mall, the center is easily accessible to nearby residents and those out shopping.

For small fees, seniors can take advantage of a variety of activities including exercise classes, movie nights, educational and arts courses, and nutritional meals. Additionally, the Coalition matches volunteers with seniors to assist with errands, such as drives to the doctor or store, and general maintenance.

The west side facility also services the largest geographic population in Madison, stretching from Lake Mendota in the north, to the city border in the south, and between Randall Avenue in the east and the Verona and Middleton border in the west.

Serving such a large population poses several challenges for the Coalition.

In 2010, the Coalition’s expenses totaled $467,957. The City of Madison provided $233,930, just over half of the needed funds. The remaining revenue was generated from an assortment of independent donors, membership dues, fundraisers, class fees, and interest income.

Ingrid Kundinger, Executive Director of the West Madison Senior Coalition, said that the group has not seen a funding increase in the past three years.

“Although the needs have increased for all of us, the funding has remained flat,” she said. “We’re at a point now where we don’t even ask for additional money most of the time, because we know it’s just not likely to be received. We submit our proposals and keep our fingers crossed that it’s just going to be flat and that it’s not going to be decreased.”

Limited funding means smaller facilities. Less space reduces the variety of programs and resources available for Coalition patrons.

These limitations are disheartening for Kundinger, who said that having more programs and operating spaces could draw in more participants. The socialization that comes with taking part in activities is essential for health, as seniors who are socially and physically active stay healthier than those who are not.

Transportation to the center is an issue for those who live further away, and those without driver's licenses must bear the cost of taxis and bus fares. For those living on a budget, the charges can add up quickly and sometimes serve as a barrier to access.

Kundinger stressed that despite common beliefs about the affluence of Madison’s west side, there are financial concerns for several residents living there.

“There’s an assumption that the west side of Madison does not have any money issues,” said Kundinger, “but it’s not a true statement across the board.”

She noted that a significant number of the center's clients are of lower income and struggle to pay for travel between home and the center. And while there are opportunities for volunteers to assist seniors, there are a limited number of volunteers available. On the west side alone, 70 seniors are on the waiting list to be matched with at-home help.

Still, the West Madison Senior Coalition works to gain more patrons by hosting fundraisers, teaming up with other area senior centers, and simply making it work. The sense of community that patrons develop during meals is just one justification for the Coalition’s efforts. No one eats alone and the laughs are plentiful.

At one table, Gail Wahl, Vikki Parrish, and Rene McShane sit together. They all live in the adjacent Segoe Apartment complex, and gather at several Coalition-sponsored events. As they joke with one another and discuss their personal lives, it is apparent that they are more than just people eating the same meal—they are trusted friends that connected through the Coalition.

It is in the Center that the true reason for the Coalition’s work becomes tangible.

“We started coming here to meet more people,” said patron Lednel Iribarren. “It’s a great place.”

For more information about volunteering with the West Madison Senior Coalition contact their office at 608-238-7368 or visit their website.