HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-18-2016 Senior Center CommissionAgenda
Thursdav All$llst 18, 2016
4 p.m. — 5:30 p.m.
Room 209
4 p.m.
1.
Introductions/Welcome—Honohan
2.
Minutes (July 21, 2016)
4:10-4:15 PM
3.
Public Discussion
4:15-4:20 PM
4.
Commission Assignments—Honohan
✓ Commission Visits
Board of Supervisors—????
Call in advance to be placed on the agenda
1. Thursday, August 25 and September land 15 at 9 AM at the CAB
City Council—????
All meeting dates are tentative and should be checked prior to attending
1. Tuesday, September 6 at 7 PM --????
4:20-4:35 PM
S.
Review and Final Approval of Mission Statement; Vision; Principles; Values;
Accomplishments; Issues, Concerns, Trends, and Opportunities 2017-2022
4:35-5:00 PM
6.
Review, Discussion and Approval of Goals and Objectives for FY2017-2022
5:00-5:20 PM
7.
Operational Overview—Kopping
✓ Update on Development Specialist Position
✓ Update on AR/Kitchen/Lobby Remodel
✓ Update on work with Friends of The Center
✓ Council's acceptance of County Grant
✓ Nutrition Program Update
✓ Outreach
✓ Operations
✓ Programming
✓ Administration
5:20-5:29 PM
8.
Commission Discussion —Honohan
✓ Meeting Reports
5:30 PM.
9.
Adjourn
**Next meeting is Thursday Septemberl5 at 4 p.m.**
Meeting Packets:
1.
Agenda: Thursday August 18, 2016
2.
Minutes: Senior Center Commission, Thursday July 21, 2016
3.
Staff Reports
4.
Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center Strategic Planning Report, pages 1-9
5.
Jeff Schott Original Recommendations for 2017-2022 Goals and Objectives
6.
Staff Recommendations for 2017-2022 Goals and Objectives
7.
Jay Honohan Recommendations 2017-2022 Goals and Objectives
Preliminary Minutes
July 21, 2016
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
July 21, 2016
ROOM 208, IOWA CITY/JOHNSON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
Members Present: Jay Honohan, Margaret Reese, Cheryl Clamon, Mark
Holbrook, Jack Hobbs
Members Absent: Joy Beadleston Kathy Mitchell
Staff Present: Linda Kopping, Michelle Buhman
Others Present: None
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Honohan at 4:00 PM.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
0=0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 18, 2016 MEETING:
Motion: To accept the minutes as amended from the May 19, 2016 meeting.
Motion carried on a vote of 5-0. Hobbs/Holbrook
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
COMMISSION ASSIGNMENTS:
Honohan volunteered to report to the Iowa City City Council and the Johnson
County Board of Supervisors.
Update on Development Specialist Position
The job vacancy announcement for the halftime development specialist position
was posted in early July. Kopping is in the process of reviewing the applications
and setting up interviews. In the event a candidate is not selected from the
current pool of applicants, the vacancy will advertised again. If someone is
selected and accepts the position they will most likely begin work in mid to late
August.
1
Preliminary Minutes
July 21, 2016
Update on AR/Kitchen/Lobby Remodel
The agreement with the City of Iowa City and Neumann Monson Architects for
architectural designs for updates to the Senior Center's Assembly Room, Kitchen
and Lobby with had been sent and is currently being reviewed by City staff. The
project is on hold until the contract can be modified and accepted by both parties.
Review and Discussion of Bed Bug Policy
The Commission reviewed the proposed bedbug polity that was included in the
packets. Honohan expressed regarding the policy: given that the senior center
does not have an issue with bed bugs Honohan felt that the policy is not
necessary and that it will create a lot of extra work for the staff. Kopping
responded by outlining new preventative measures staff has recommended to
implement that will not only help reduce the potential for a bed bug infestation it
will also help streamline the donation collection process.
Motion: To accept and approve the bed bug policy as distributed. Motion
carried on a vote of 5-0. Holbrook/Reese
Discussion of Mission Statement, Vision, and Values
Kopping presented a revised version of the mission statement, vision and values
that included recommended changes from staff. Commissioners reviewed the
recommendations and suggested additional changes to the wording of the vision
and accepted the mission statement as proposed. Copies of the updated mission
statement, vision and values will be included in the next commission packet for
review and approval at the August meeting.
Operational Overview
Kopping reported that she has been working with staff to finalize the senior
centers five year goals and plans to present them to the commission for review
and approval at the August meeting. She provided the commission with a brief
overview of the proposed changes
Kopping reported that she has been working with staff to complete several
recommendations from Wastyn and Associates that aim to make Friends of the
Center a successful fundraising body, including selecting a vendor to develop the
Friends of The Center website and integrated software to track donations.
2
Preliminary Minutes
July 21, 2016
In late June, Kopping met with the Executive Director of Elder Services Inc, (ESI)
Devon Inman to discuss changes ESI has planned for the Iowa City's Senior
Center congregate meal site. In the June meeting Inman outlined the challenges
ESI is currently experiencing as a result of the changes to Medicare's Managed
Care Options (MCO) program. As a result to these changes and an ongoing
shortfall of funding for congregate meals ESI is exploring new ways to save
money and requested help from the Senior Center staff to identify five to ten
volunteers who could take the place to the current paid congregate meal
employee. After staff worked to compose an email request for volunteers Inman
withdrew the request and reported they no longer needed the additional
volunteers. He further explained that ESI plans to serve a pre -packaged hot meal
similar to meals that are used in the Home Delivered Meals program. ESI
believes this change will streamline the distribution process that will result in a
reduced the need for staff and additional volunteers at the Iowa City congregate
meal location.
Kopping announced that the Iowa City New Horizons Band donated $1,000 to
support the senior center's operational budget.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion: To Adjourn. Motion carried on a vote of 5/0. Clamon/Hobbs.
3
Preliminary Minutes
July 21, 2016
Senior Center Commission
Attendance Record
Year 2016
Name
Term Expires
10/15/15
11/19/15
12/17/15
1/14/16
2/18/16
3/17/16
4/21/16
5/19/16
6/11/16
6/16/16
7/21/16
Joy Beadleston
12/31/19
--
--
--
X
X
X
NM
O/E
X
NM
O/E
Cheryll Clamon
12/31/18
X
X
NM
X
X
X
NM
O/E
X
NM
X
Chuck Felling
12/31/15
X
X
NM
Jack Hobbs
12/31/16
X
X
NM
X
X
O/E
NM
X
X
NM
X
Mark Holbrook
12/31/18
X
X
NM
X
X
X
NM
X
O/E
NM
X
Jay Honohan
12/31/16
X
O/E
NM
O/E
X
X
NM
X
X
NM
X
Kathy Mitchell
12/31/19
X
X
NM
X
X
X
NM
X
X
NM
O/E
Margaret Reese
12/31/15
X
X
NM
X
X
X
NM
O/E
X
NM
X
Key: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
-- = Not a member
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Reviewed July 21, 2016
IOWA CITY/JOHNSON COUNTY
SENIOR CENTER
STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT
2016
Facilitated by:
Jeff Schott
Institute of Public Affairs
University of Iowa
Reviewed July 21, 2016
IOWA CITY/JOHNSON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT
2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction.................................................................................... Page 3
Strategic Planning Session............................................................ Page 3
Mission Statement........................................................................ Page 4
Vision........................................................................................ Page 4
Principles................................................................................. Page 4
Values...................................................................................... Page 5
Accomplishments......................................................................... Page 6
Issues, Concerns, Trends, and Opportunities .......................................... Page 8
Strategic Goals and Objectives......................................................... Page 10
Final Comments
Page 12
Exhibit A —Agenda....................................................................... Page 13
IOWA CITY/JOHNSON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
Reviewed July 21, 2016
STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT
Introduction
The Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center (Center) requested the Institute of Public Affairs
(IPA) to assist the Center with strategic planning. IPA agreed to organize and facilitate a process
that involved the following steps:
1. Prepare a questionnaire to identify recent accomplishments, issues/trends/concerns,
and potential new initiatives/programs/policies to be initiated during the five-year
planning period.
2. Conduct a strategic planning session.
3. Preparation of this report.
Strategic Planning Session
A strategic planning session was held on June 11, 2016, at the Bast Side Recycling Center in
Iowa City.
The following persons were in attendance and participated at this meeting: Joy Beadleston,
Craig Buhman, Michelle Buhman, Lynne Cannon, Cheryll Clamon, Maeve Clark, Emily Light
Edrington, Geoff Fruin, Jack R. Hobbs, Jay Honohan, Juli Seydell Johnson, Linda Kopping,
Kristin Kromray, Kathy Mitchell, Brianna Petersen, Margaret N. Reese, Ed Rolenc, Hal Schrott,
and Gary Schwartz, and.
The agenda for the Strategic Planning Session is attached to this report as Exhibit A.
Reviewed July 21, 2016
Mission Statement
Subject to final review and approval by the Board, the participants agreed to revise the
Center's mission to the following:
The mission of the Senior Center is to promote optimal aging by creating
opportunities to support wellness, social connections, community
engagement, and lifelong learning
Vision
The participants identified their vision of the Center in the next five years as follows:
• To be a leader in making the Iowa City area an age -friendly
community.
Principles
The primary principle underlying Senior Center programming and services is that of
optimal aging.
1. Optimal aging is a comprehensive concept of wellness that encourages and
extends an optimal balance of physical, intellectual, emotional, social,
vocational, and spiritual health for each individual.
2. Program components promote optimal aging by providing a variety of
opportunities for education, social engagement, physical activity, and
community involvement.
3. Participation in these types of activities is known to reduce the risk of
disease and disability, and provide a social network that is a key factor in
longevity and the ability to participate in and contribute to the culture and
community.
Values
The values that represent the core priorities in our organization's culture and serve as the
foundation for all that is done:
• Intrinsic Worth: Every individual will be valued for their intrinsic worth.
• Inclusiveness and Diversity: All people and ideas will be treated with respect.
• Experience: Life experiences are to be valued and shared.
Reviewed July 21, 2016
• Capacity for Growth: Everyone has a life-long capacity to grow in improve.
• Responsibility in Leadership and Decision -making: Empowering participants is vital
to the success of our programs.
• Excellence: All programs and services will strive for excellence.
• Collaboration: Engagement of and with the community is essential to achieving the
Center's mission.
• Integrity/Honesty/Transparency: All communication and transactions will be
honest, transparent and based on mutual trust.
Accomplishments
The following were identified as accomplishments of the Center since the last strategic plan was
adopted in 2010:
The Center's visibility in the community was enhanced:
o Increased involvement in community events and partnerships
o Worked as a community partner to initiate and expand community service
program, Honoring Your Wishes (Advance Health Care Planning)
o Successful marketing initiatives: TV commercials, Iowa Public Radio
o Improved public relations function of Senior Center Television
o Social media and YouTube presence
Community support solidified:
o Responded well to Ad -Hoc Committee report
o Conducted survey - extraordinary number of responses
o Produced fundraising and marketing plans
o Initiated implementation
o Maintained staff morale, cohesiveness and productivity while under City and
public scrutiny during Ad Hoc review and NHB issue
o Higher level of Iowa City Council and administrative support and interest in
Center activities
• Organizing to improve self -funding:
o Gaining more knowledge regarding fundraising and ramping up efforts for
successful fundraising
o Gaining half-time fundraising position
• Hosted new member breakfasts twice a year
• Revised program guide by staff
• Increased numbers of quality programs
• Increased attendance at programs
• Increase in number of people served annually by Senior Health Insurance
Information Program: individual appointments, community education programs
Reviewed July 21, 2016
Accomplishments (continued)
Intergenerational programming, especially related to the Family Folk Machine Choir
0 7 performance seasons/programs
o Multiple collaborations with Voices of Experience senior chorus
o Educational music video produced with grant from Community Foundation of
Johnson County
o Upcoming large-scale songwriting project with grant request pending with Iowa
Arts Council
Enhancements in technology education programs
o One-on-one computer mentoring volunteer program
o Weekly tech help sessions by SCTV
o Collaborative program offerings with ICPL
o New computers in computer lab
• Established liquor and rental policies for the Assembly Room
• New database software system that enables online registration and streamlines
some elements of staff workflow
• Large increase in community services including SHIIP and Tax Aide
• Continued growth in membership
• Maintained strong participant base of approximately 1600
• Stronger sense of member ownership of the Center
o Increased role of participants in management and decision -making at Center
• A sense of political efficacy that seniors can wield
• Strong effort to expand programming
• Resolved issue with NUB regarding equipment and music ownership
• Established University of Iowa Counseling practicum at The Center
• Slow increase in cost recovery
• Library
o Completely reorganized
o Volunteer manager trains and supervises other Library volunteers
o Catalogs, weeds, works with the "gift" employee at ICPL
• English Conversation Group - work with international scholars, students, residents
in classroom/one-one-one setting
o 5-6 additional teachers
• Game Group - started Bananagram
• Tell Your Own Story
• Presentation by Colin Milner and article in Active Aging magazine
• Raising participant fees was met favorably by participants
• Obtained accreditation
Reviewed July 21, 2016
Issues, Concerns, Trends and Opportunities
The following were identified as issues, concerns, trends, and opportunities that may affect
future Center services, policies, programs or operations:
• Funding/Finance
o External pressure to increase fundraising
o Process of fundraising
o Funding from City of Iowa City, lack of funding from the county and other
communities in the area
o Potential pool of donors is limited
o Potential pool of fundraising volunteers; is it as great as survey indicated
o Need to promote understanding of how the public can donate to the Center
o Need to cover Development Specialist salary and benefits within two to three
years
o Opportunity to generate revenue with rental of Assembly Room
o Several significant capital projects on the horizon: carpeting, furnishings,
window treatments, flooring, and the kitchen, lobby, and assembly room
remodel
o Decision: Follow mission to serve olders and community or eliminate programs
to use facility to generate revenue to increase cost recovery.
• Membership:
o Diversity of membership
• Will require expansion of services to neighborhood areas
• How well does membership reflect community?
o With baby boomers retiring, opportunity for increasing membership
• Staffing:
o Pressure to increase memberships and programs puts strain on small staff
o New half-time fundraising position will not address concerns of burdening
current staffing levels
o Outreach of programs and information into community is often brought
up/considered, but seems unattainable with current staffing levels
o Staff succession planning
Image/Perception:
o There is a need to change the widely held view that aging is a bad thing and the
negative associations with the word senior and the term "senior center." Older
adults need to be recognized for the economic and social contributions they make
in a community.
o Perception that the Center is place for old people who are women and disabled;
card players, Bingo, etc.
o Center needs to be recognized as an organization that promotes healthy lifestyles
which can delay or eliminate the need for more costly health care services
• Need to continue to offer programs to promote healthy lifestyles
Issues, Concerns, Trends and Opportunities (continued)
Reviewed July 21, 2016
Building/space/location issues:
o Balancing space needs - i.e., Senior Center programming vs. room rentals
o More space needed to provide confidential services to individuals
o Historic but aging building - in many ways lacks flexibility to meet current and
projected needs; is expensive to maintain
o Center is conveniently located for some, but hard for others to get to because of
transportation issues - parking, downtown, ramps, parking fees, etc.
o Population is growing and one single senior center may not have the space to
serve all of those interested in programs offered.
o Would The Center be able to offer more expansive programs and services with
free parking and lower overhead costs at a different, dedicated senior, location?
Collaboration/cooperation:
o Opportunity to jointly market, share facilities and generally work more closely
with Parks & Rec and Library
o Relationships with in-house groups/programs
Demographic trends:
o More active senior population
o More older adults continue to work - is there a need for more evening and
weekend services?
o Increase in rate of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. How to continue to
serve older adults who are experiencing transition into disability, how to
support caregivers.
• With the current City Council, there is an opportunity to advocate for the inclusion
of olders in urban planning. Development that will promote living in place,
placemaking, and healthy lifestyles. Planning that takes into consideration all
aspects of transportation and neighborhood design.
• Need to recertify Accreditation in 2017.
• Friends of the Center organization is in transition
• Transportation issues:
o Dedicated bus stop
o Safe crossings/time lights
o Clean streets (ice/snow)
o Maintain SEATS service
• Housing:
o Senior housing should be more integrated with the community
o Need affordable living downtown for seniors
Reviewed July 21, 2016
Jeff's Original Goals
without any edits
Strategic Goals and Objectives
The participants identified the following strategic goals and objectives for the upcoming five-
year planning period:
Goal #1
To promote a positive image of the Senior Center
1. Develop marketing and promotional efforts to enhance the positive image of the
Center and promote an accurate understanding of the Center and its offerings.
2. Develop a marketing and promotional program to portray a positive image of aging.
3. Develop programs that address issues of ageism.
4. Strengthen web -based and social media promotion of the Center.
5. Continue to involve the community in the Center and the Center in the community
6. Continue to communicate and collaborate with other agencies and organizations.
7. Continue to encourage participant feedback on personal levels of satisfaction with
current opportunities for meaningful involvement in the operation of the Center
B. Maintain efforts to keep the public and participants informed about the operation of
the Center.
9. Maintain presence and present unified and consistent message to City Council and
Board of Supervisor meetings
Goal #2
To enhance the financial stability of the Center.
1. Increase and retain membership in the Center.
2. Explore alternatives regarding facility rental revenues.
3. Evaluate dues and fees annually.
4. Review and evaluate budget development process.
• Establish communication process with the Friends of the Center regarding
budgetary/financial issues.
• Develop a 5-year Master Plan for improvements to the building
• Implement a strong development program with staff, software, strategic plan,
stewardship plan, volunteer support, etc.
• Promote a clear understanding regarding the Center's funding and how donations to
the Center can be made.
Jeff's Original Goals
without any edits
Goal #3
To promote inclusion and diversity among participants.
• Promote an accurate understanding of the Center and its offerings on an ongoing
basis.
• Review and improve promotional methods currently used to increase
participation and diversity among participants.
• Review and improve promotional methods currently used to increase
volunteers.
• Continue to encourage use of the scholarship program.
• Continue to offer and promote outreach
• Continue to collaborate with other agencies to increase opportunities to reach a
diverse audience by offering programs about various cultures and ethnicities.
• Develop and strengthen cross - cultural alliances.
Goal #4
To provide with the highest quality programs that promote optimal aging.
10. Continue to ensure that all programs and special events are monitored for
effectiveness.
11. Continue to monitor participation in all center sponsored programs.
12. Evaluate community needs and interests on a regular basis.
13. Continue to reach medically at risk individuals with programs and services designed
to improve health and wellbeing.
14. Recertify Accreditation in 2017.
• Evaluate feasibility of establishing offsite programs at locations outside of the
Center.
• Continue to secure high quality, professional staff, volunteers, and instructors.
• Develop succession plan for Center staff.
Strateizies/Actions to Accomplish Strategic Goals and Obiectives
It is recommended that Center prepare an "action plan" for accomplishing the strategic goals and
objectives. The action plan would define the steps that would be needed to accomplish each goal
and objective, identify who is responsible for implementation, and establish a timeline for
accomplishment.
Staff Reviewed
5 Year Goals
2017-2022
Strategic Goals and Objectives
The participants identified the following strategic goals and objectives for the upcoming
five-year planning period:
Goal #1
To raise community awareness and promote a positive image of the Senior Center
1. Develop annual marketing plans that promote a positive image of the Center and an
accurate understanding of its programs and people served.
SAMPLE ACTION STEPS: a) Strengthen web -based, email, and social media
promotion of the Center.
b) Friends website development
2. Continue to review and improve the quality and content of Center publications.
3. Continue to involve the community in the Center and the Center in the community
SAMPLE ACTION STEPS: a) Community events here and other locations
b) Open House events
c) Maintain and expand corporate and community
partners.
d) Share information about the Center in a variety of
community venues
Goal #2
To enhance financial stability of the Center.
1. In collaboration with Friends of The Center, develop an annual strategic fundraising
plan
SAMPLE ACTION STEPS: a) Promote a clear understanding regarding the
Center's funding and how donations to the Center can
be made.
b) Establish communication process with the Friends of
the Center regarding budgetary/financial issues.
2. Develop an annual plan for generating revenue through cost sharing measures.
SAMPLE ACTION STEPS: a) Explore, and pursue if feasible, alternatives regarding
facility rental revenues.
b) Increase and retain membership in the Center.
c) Evaluate dues and fees annually.
Goal #3
To promote inclusion and diversity among participants.
1. Maintain and expand opportunities to reach a diverse audience.
SAMPLE ACTION STEPS: a) Review and improve promotional methods currently
used to increase participation and diversity among
participants and volunteers.
b) Continue to encourage use of the scholarship
program.
Staff Reviewed
5 Year Goals
2017-2022
c) Continue to offer and promote outreach.
d) Develop and strengthen cross - cultural alliances.
e) Refine demographic measurement processes and
tools.
f) Promote cultural competence and acceptance among
visitors and participants.
g) Explore the effective use of technology in promoting
inclusion and diversity.
Goal #4
To provide programs that promote optimal aging.
1. Evaluate Community needs and interests on a regular basis.
SAMPLE ACTION STEPS: a) Monitor participation in all center sponsored programs.
b) Conduct community surveys every 5 years.
c) Measure satisfaction and outcomes resulting from
participation in Center programs and services.
2. Continue to offer innovative programs and services that provide a balance of
wellness options.
SAMPLE ACTION STEPS: a) Continue to communicate and collaborate with other
agencies and organizations
b) Maintain participant involvement in planning
c) Utilize corporate and community sponsors
d) Target individuals who are at risk with programs and
services designed to improve health and wellbeing.
e) Explore the effective use of technology in the expansion
of program opportunities.
f) Recruit and work with quality instructors and
volunteers to ensure program success
Goal #5
To enhance administrative planning practices
1. Recertify Accreditation in 2017.
2. Evaluate feasibility of establishing offsite programs at locations outside of the
Center.
3. Continue to secure and maintain high quality, professional staff, and volunteers.
SAMPLE ACTION STEPS: a) Develop succession plan for Center staff and
Commission.
b) Work with members of the Senior Center Commission
to actualize responsibilities outlined in Resolution No.
03-287 outlining the composition, terms, and duties.
c) Represent The Center and present unified and
consistent message to City Council and Board of
Supervisor meetings.
4. Develop a 5-year Master Plan for improvements to the building.
Staff Reviewed
5 Year Goals
2017-2022
Staff Reviewed
5 Year Goals
2017-2022
Goal #6
To promote a positive image of aging and combat agism
1. Develop a marketing and promotional program to portray a positive image of aging.
2. Develop and implement programs that address issues of ageism.
Goal #7
To provide leadership in Iowa City becoming designated as an age -friendly
community by the World Health Organization.
SAMPLE ACTION STEPS: a) Evaluate feasibility and support among local leaders
and stakeholders of designation goal
b) Assign lead staff.
c) Bring together community -based steering committee.
IOWA CITY/JOHNSONCOUNTYSENIORCENTER STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT
2016
Introduction
The Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center (Center) requested the Institute of Public
Affairs (IPA) to assist the Center with strategic planning. IPA agreed to organize and
facilitate a process that involved the following steps:
1. Prepare a questionnaire to identify recent accomplishments,
issues/trends/concerns, and potential new initiatives/programs/policies to be
initiated during the five -year planning period.
2. Conduct a strategic planning session.
3. Preparation of this report.
Strategic Planning Session
A strategic planning session was held on June 11, 2016, at the East Side Recycling Center in Iowa
City.
The following persons were in attendanc e and participated at this meeting: Ed Rolenc,
Hal Schrott, Juli Seydell Johnson, Lynne Cannon, Margaret N. Reese, Kathy Mitchell,
Gary Schwartz, Jack R. Hobbs, Brianna Petersen, Maeve Clark, Geoff Fruin, Cheryll
Clamon, Emily Light Edrington, Jay Honohan , Craig Buhlamn, Michelle Buhman, Joy
Beadleston, and Linda Kopping..
The agenda for the Strategic Planning Session is attached to this report as Exhibit A.
Mission Statement
Subject to final review and approval by the Board, the participants agreed to revise the
Center's mission to the following:
The mission of the Senior Center is to promote optimal aging by
creating opportunities to support wellness, social connections,
community engagement, and lifelong learning
Vision
The participants identified their vision of the Center in the next five years as follows:
! To be an age -friendly community in which older adults are
valued and age optimally.
! The Center to be the leader in developing and providing
programming and services to promote optimal aging in
Johnson County.
Principles
The primary principle underlying Senior Center programming and services is that of optimal
aging.
1. Optimal aging is a comprehensive concept of wellness that encourages
ancteNtands an eptim6" accomplishes a balance of physical,
intellectual, emotional, social, vocational, and spiritual health for each
individual.
2. Program components that promote optimal aging by providing a
variety of opportunities for education, social engagement, physical
activity, and community involvement.
3. Participation in these types of activities is known to reduce the risk of
disease and disability, and provide a social network that is a key factor in
longevity and the ability to participate in and contribute to the culture
and community.
Sustainable financial planning, volunteers and community partnerships are used to carry out the
mission
Values
Values represent the core priorities in an organization's culture and serve as the
foundation for all that is done. The Center abides by the following values:
! Intrinsic Worth: Every individual will be valued for their intrinsic worth.
! Inclusiveness and Cultural Diversity: All people and ideas will be treated with respect.
! Experience: Life experiences are to be valued and shared.
! Capacity for Growth: Everyone has a life-long capacity to grow and improve.
! Participant Involvement: Decision-making�i {s inclusive of different viewpoints.
! Excellence: All programs and services will strive for excellence.
! Collaboration: Engagement of and with the community is essential to
achieving the Center's mission.
! Integrity/Honesty/Transparency: All communication and transactions
will be honest, transparent and based on mutual trust.
Accomplishments
The following were identified as accomplishments of the Center since the last
strategic plan was adopted in 2010:
! The Center's visibility in the community was enhanced:
o Increased involvement in community events and partnerships
o Worked as a community partner to initiate and expand community service program,
Honoring Your Wishes (Advance Health Care Planning)
o Successful marketing initiatives: TV commercials, Iowa Public Radio
o Improved public relations function of Senior Center Television
o Social media and You Tube presence
! Community supporN"'a�:
o Responded well to Ad -Hoc Committee report
o Conducted community survey —receive extraordinary number of responses
o Produced fundraising and marketing plans
o Initiated implementation
o Maintained staff morale, cohesiveness and productivity while under City
and public scrutiny during Ad Hoc review and NHB issue
o Higher level of Iowa City Council and administrative support and interest in Center
activities
! Organizing to improve self -funding:
o Gaining more knowledge regarding fundraising and ramping up
efforts for successful fundraising
o Gaining half-time fundraising position
! Hosted new member breakfasts twice a year
! Revised program guide by staff
! Increased numbers of quality programs
! Increased attendance at programs
! Increase in number of people served annually by Senior Health Insurance Information
Program:
individual appointments, community education programs
! Intergenerational programming, especially related to the Family Folk Machine Choir
0 7 performance seasons/programs
o Multiple collaborations with Voices of Experience senior chorus
o Educational music video produced with grant from Community
Foundation of Johnson County
o Upcoming large-scale songwriting project with grant request pending with Iowa Arts
Council
Enhancements in technology education programs
o One-on-one computer mentoring volunteer program
o Weekly tech help sessions by SCTV
elements
o Collaborative program offerings with ICPL
o New computers in computer lab
! Established liquor and rental policies for the Assembly Room
! New database software system that enables online registration and
streamlines some of staff workflow
! Large increase in community services including SHIIP, volunteer lawyers, and Tax Aide
! Continued growth in membership ?? (Is this consistent with the next line?)
! Maintained strong participant base of approximately 1600
! Stronger sense of member ownership of the Center
o Increased role of participants in management and decision -making at Center
! A sense of political efficacy that seniors can wield
! Strong effort to expand programming
! Resolved issue with NHB regarding equipment and music ownership
! Established University of Iowa Counseling practicum at The Center
! Slow increase in cost recovery ?? (correct?)
! Library
o Completely reorganized
o Volunteer manager trains and supervises other Library volunteers
o Catalogs, weeds, works with the "gift' employee at ICPL
! English Conversation Group — work with international scholars,
students, residents in classroom/one-one-one setting o 5-6 additional
teachers
! Game Group—startedBananagram
! Tell Your Own Story
! Presentation by Colin Milner and article in Active Aging magazine
! Raising participant fees was met favorably by participants
! Obtained accreditation
Issues, Concerns, Trends and Opportunities
The following were identified as issues, concerns, trends, and opportunities that
may affect future Center services, policies, programs or operations:
! Funding/Finance
o External pressure to increase non Iowa City tax funding. "•*,�^:;::,:,;
o Process of fundraising
o Governmental Funding from City of Iowa City, lack of funding from
Fhe Johnson county and other communities in the area
o Potential pool of donors is limited
o Potential pool of fundraising volunteers; is it as great as survey indicated
o Need to promote understanding of how the public can donate to the Center
o Need to cover Development Specialist salary and benefits within two to three years
o Opportunity to generate revenue with rental of Assembly Room
o Several significant capital projects on the horizon: carpeting, furnishings, window
treatments, flooring, and the kitchen, lobby, and assembly room remodel
o Decision: Follow mission to serve slier seniors and community or
eliminate programs to use facility to generate revenue to increase cost
recovery.
! Membership:
o Diversity of membership
Will require expansion of services to
neighborhood areas How well does
membership reflect community?
o With baby boomers retiring, opportunity for increasing membership
! Staffing:
o Pressure to increase memberships and programs puts strain on small staff
o New half-time fundraising position will not address concerns of
burdening current staffing levels
o Outreach of programs and information into community is often brought
up/considered, but seems unattainable with current staffing levels o Staff
succession planning
! Image/Perception:
! There is a need to change the widely held view that aging is a bad thing
and the negative associations with the word senior and the term "senior
center." Older
o adults need to be recognized for the economic and social
contributions they make in a community.
o Perception that the Center is place for old people who are women and
disabled; card players, Bingo, etc.
o Center needs to be recognized as an organization that promotes healthy
lifestyles which can delay or eliminate the need for more costly health care
services
Need to continue to offer programs to promote healthy lifestyles ?? out of place
Building/space/location issues:
o Balancing space needs— i . e., Senior Center programming vs. room rentals
o More space needed to provide confidential services to individuals
o Historic but aging building - in many ways lacks flexibility to meet current
and projected needs; is expensive to maintain
o Center is conveniently located for some, but hard for others to
get to because of transportation issues — parking, downtown,
ramps, parking fees, etc.
o Population is growing and one single senior center may not have the space to serve
all of
those interested in programs offered.
a Would The Center be able to offer more expansive programs and
services with free parking and lower overhead costs at a different, dedicated
senior, location?
! Collaboration/cooperation:
o Opportunity to jointly market, share facilities and generally work more
closely with Parks & Rec and Library
o Relationships with in-house groups/programs
! Demographic trends:
a More active senior population
o More older adults continue to work— is there a need for more
evening and weekend services?
o Increase in rate of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. How to
continue to serve older adults who are experiencing transition into disability,
how to support caregivers.
! With the current City Council, there is an opportunity to advocate for the
inclusion of elder seniors in urban planning. Development that will promote living
in place, placemaking, and healthy lifestyles. Planning that takes into consideration
all aspects of transportation and neighborhood design.
Issues, Concerns, Trends and Opportunities (continued)
Need to recertify Accreditation in 2017
! Friends of the Center organization is in transition
! Transportation issues:
a Dedicated bus stop
o Safe crossings/time lights
o Clean streets (ice/snow)
o Maintain and increase SEATS service
! Housing:
o Senior housing should be more integrated with the community
o Need affordable living downtown for seniors