The La Porte Activity Center for Older Adults (ACOA), located in Downtown La Porte within Northwest Health complex at Heritage Place, stands as a beacon of connection for the local elderly community. The City of La Porte took partnership with La Porte Parks and Recreation Department for ACOA after the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by Supervisor Cindy Polito, ACOA offers a wide range of resources and activities designed to combat isolation, promote engagement and empower elders to embrace modern technology and services.
“At ACOA, we have a lot of activities for seniors,” said Polito. “If you are a senior, you do not have to be home and isolate yourself. For $18 a month, we are open to provide classes, outings and events for our members.”
ACOA’s calendar this month and onward is overflowing with diverse activities catered to varied interests and needs of their members. From engaging craft projects and stimulating board games to reading and tech help programs, ACOA continues to foster a sense of community for its seniors by building up its repertoire of partnerships.
“On the first Monday of every month, the La Porte County Public Library and our exchange center bring in a craft project for our seniors—making everything from jewelry, earrings and bracelets,” said Polito. “Twice a month, the library comes out with their mobile library to bring books, CDs and audio books so our seniors do not have to drive to the library. We offer help through tech support to help seniors with their electronic dilemmas. We have assistance for tax relief and insurance help, especially for pre-planning funeral arrangements.”
Recognizing the importance of men’s health, ACOA is actively working to bring a health bus to the center to focus on men’s health screenings and education. ACOA’s initiative intends to encourage men to prioritize their health and increase longevity. On May 22, ACOA is also hosting an informative bingo session on Medicare to provide seniors with an engaging and interactive approach to learning about insurance plans, supplements, and hospice care. The event intends to provide guidance to ensure seniors make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.
“Falls are a leading cause of hospitalization among seniors,” said Polito. “As we get older, we lose our core strength. ACOA offers a six week balance class to help teach seniors how to get back up if they fall. We provide chair and standing exercises three times a week, weights for strength training and cardio workouts all designed by the American Arthritis Foundation.”
The mission of ACOA is built around addressing the issues of isolation and independence among seniors, especially in a post-pandemic world.
“Our facility offers an extensive amount of resources and activities for our seniors,” said Polito. “We partner with Meals on Wheels so our members can buy meals for $5 a day and share a meal with someone to build up that social connection. We have a pinnacle board game group that plays on Mondays and Tuesdays in the evenings, the lending library where books get brought to, a food pantry that is particularly for personal items like bathroom essentials, and greeting cards for 50 cents with the proceeds donated to the Salvation Army for their food pantry. We have additional game rooms, especially for playing bridge and euchre, and an enclave for embroidery, yarn knitting and for hanging out. We even have water coloring and painting classes available.”
On May 14, a painting class was in session for teaching seniors how to paint roosters. Those in attendance were guided by an instructor and an informative video aid. Each painter attested to their unique experiences at ACOA.
“I have made so many friends here,” said Senior Shirley Nelson. “I love to come and talk. I come three times a week and do crafts and painting. We play games, and my favorite activity is painting. We’re just learning to do this, but it is very fun and entertaining.”
Another senior, Erica Sommers, spoke to the value of an on-site art class and exploring her talents with new friends.
“I am new to the area, so this was my first place to find a connection with the city of La Porte,” said Sommers. “The people around me have so many interesting stories. I love doing things, like painting. It has helped me find hidden talents I didn’t know I had.”
ACOA aspires to continue bringing positive events and activities to contribute to an uplifting environment for older adults and caretakers. On September 27, ACOA is proud to be hosting “A Gallery of Lifestyle & Health: Expo for Older Adults and Caregivers.” The expo will be at the La Porte Civic Auditorium. The event will be sponsored by Healthcare Foundation of La Porte, Northwest Health, Center for Hospice Care and other local sponsors.
ACOA is a testament to the power of community and the vitality of supporting the senior population. By providing a welcoming space for connection and engagement, the ACOA is continuing to assess the needs and wellbeing of La Porte’s senior community.
“My favorite part is the interaction with the people and getting to hear their fabulous life stories,” said Polito. “This is truly a ministry for me. I feel these people give me more than I could ever give to them.”
For more information about supporting ACOA and upcoming events for your elderly loved ones, visit laporteparkandrec.com/programs/activity-center-for-older-adults/ .
