Senior Services

The hustle and bustle of larger areas can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially as you age, but in Emanuel County, life moves at a slower, more comfortable pace—which is perfect for seniors. Here, they aren't just another part of the crowd. In fact, they’re a priority. Case in point: Emanuel County Senior Services, which plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for the county’s older adults.

At the heart of these services is the Emanuel County Senior Center, a cornerstone of community support. The center offers a warm and welcoming environment where seniors can gather, connect, and take advantage of various resources designed to help them thrive in their later years.

The center’s primary goal is to promote both physical and mental well-being among seniors while fostering social engagement and encouraging independence.

Emanuel County acquired the senior center from the City of Swainsboro in 2019, marking the beginning of a new era for senior services. The county invested more than $1.5 million in renovations to update and modernize the 9,100-square-foot facility. Completed in 2022, these improvements included new siding, a roof, windows, updated exercise and crafting spaces, a fully revamped kitchen, fresh paint, LED lighting, an updated lobby, a new pantry, expanded storage, and new furniture and appliances.

Most importantly, however, the county maintained the center's long-standing policy of no membership requirements, ensuring all eligible patrons can continue to utilize the numerous valuable services the center offers at no cost. (Eligibility is straightforward: patrons must be 60 years of age or older to participate. However, individuals under 60 are also welcome if they are married to an eligible patron.)

Senior Services Director Beth Gibson, her assistant, two kitchen staff members, and a transportation coordinator are the caretakers of the center. Together, they ensure its operation runs smoothly and that the center itself remains a welcoming haven for all who visit.

They also manage its slate of services, which includes everything from health screenings in conjunction with the Emanuel County Health Department, nutritious meals, legal aid through a partnership with Georgia Legal Services from Savannah, and estate planning to exercise sessions and enrichment activities. The meal program in particular is a key offering, providing hot, balanced lunches that are not only nutritious but serve as a daily opportunity for seniors to come together and socialize. The staff also works closely with the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission's Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to coordinate care and resources such as personal hygiene assistance, home accessibility improvements, and medical supplies.

You can find this month's schedule outlined in the senior center calendar.