HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrograms and ServicesTitle: Programs and Services
Date of Current Version: June 2019
Replaces Version: August 2011
Background
The Center offers high quality, diverse programs and services that meet the needs and interests of
adults age 50+ and the larger community. Programs and services may be planned by Center staff or
offered through coordination and outreach with other agencies and organizations. Programs and
services are the means by which The Center promotes optimal aging and attains its mission and goals.
Target Audience
1. Programs and services are primarily intended for individuals 50 years of age and older. However,
many special events, intergenerational programs and services, and general interest classes and
services may be open to the general public.
2. Membership requirements for Center programs and services shall be determined by the staff
member organizing the program.
3. The Senior Center is not equipped or staffed to be a direct service or care provider. Visitors and
participants must be able to navigate through the building and meet personal needs
independently or with the aid of assistive devices or personal assistants that are arranged for and
provided by the visitor or participant.
Instructors
1. The staff and program committee volunteers shall identify volunteer instructors and
independent contractors to teach quality classes.
2. To ensure quality instruction, a professional level staff member shall meet with all new
instructors prior to the start of their class to assess their preparedness and instructional skills.
3. Volunteer instructors and independent contractors shall not be allowed to teach at The Center,
if in the opinion of a professional staff member, there is reasonable doubt about the quality of
the proposed course or instructional techniques.
4. All independent contractors shall sign an Independent Contractor agreement that extends
through the duration of their class. The staff member working with the contractor shall provide
oversight to ensure the terms of the contract are carried out properly.
5. Failure to comply with the terms of the Independent Contractor agreement may result in
temporary or permanent termination of the involved instructor.
Content
1. The Center neither approves nor disapproves the content, ideas, or subject matter presented in
programs or used by individuals, non-profit groups, and organizations. The Center does not accept
responsibility for ensuring accuracy or that all points of view are represented.
2. As a city-owned facility, it is inappropriate for The Center to sponsor any activities that have the
purpose or effect of either advancing or inhibiting religion or any particular religious point of view.
Prioritizing Use of Space
1. Center administration and staff evaluate use of space for programs and services on an ongoing
basis to maximize usage of the facility.
2. Center programs and services always have priority when facility space is being allocated.
Public Accommodation, Exceptions Sec. 2-3-2
1. It shall be unlawful for any person to deny any other person the full and equal enjoyment of the
goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages of any place of public accommodation because of
age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex or
sexual orientation.
2. It shall be unlawful to directly or indirectly advertise or in any other manner indicate or publicize
that the patronage of persons is unwelcome, objectionable or not solicited because of age, color,
creed, disability, gender identity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual
orientation.
3. This section shall not apply to any bona fide religious institution with respect to any qualifications
the institution may impose based on religion when such qualifications are related to a bona fide
religious purpose.
4. Public accommodations may be designated specifically for the elderly and disabled. However,
public accommodations may not be restricted among the elderly and disabled on the basis of age,
color, creed, disability, gender identity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual
orientation.
5. It shall not be unlawful for a public accommodation to take any action otherwise prohibited by this
section where age is a bona fide factor or qualification based on health, safety or developmental
differences between age groups. In order to establish that the exception applies, a place of public
accommodation must show the restriction or policy is necessary to protect the health, safety, or
developmental differences of persons based on age alone. Developmental differences of persons
based on age means the social, emotional, physical and intellectual development of a person
based on the chronological age of a person.
6. Nothing in this section shall prohibit restrictions regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages
by those under the legal drinking age or the presence of persons under the legal drinking age in
places of public accommodation where alcoholic beverages are served.
7. This section shall not apply to discounts for services or accommodations based upon age.
Administration
The program specialist and the community outreach specialist are primarily responsible for the creation
and evaluation of the majority of Center programs. The program specialist is responsible for organizing
classes, special events, interest groups, and clubs. The community outreach specialist is responsible for
coordinating volunteer programs and community services including SCTV, technology programs, SHIIP,
Tax Aide, and intergenerational opportunities. Center staff coordinates with volunteers, independent
contractors, and community partners to plan and implement programs and services.
Approved by the Senior Center Commission on: 7/18/2019