Luque Community Center Works Around Cut Backs With Special Events

Funding may be down but the people at Luque Community center have found a way to provide quality meals for local senior citizens. On Jan. 16, the center invited seniors down for their Cozy, Comfort, Love event. Senior citizens were asked to bring an object (or a picture if the object was not easily transported) that filled them with a sense of comfort or love. During lunch they got to show off their objects and talk with other seniors in the community. "It's nice to have something to come out and eat somewhere and enjoy the people," said Grace Zendejas, one of the ladies at the lunch. One couple brought a Tickle Me Elmo, stating the toy didn't have any special significance but it brought them comfort so they thought it would work. It also entertained many of the other guests at their table; everyone who sat down couldn't resist giving it a squeeze. Even the staff participated as senior recreation leader Cruz Saldana brought a floral robe her sister brought from Hawaii. "When I'm having my sad moments, I wear this to feel closer to my family," she said. The beef stew and salad served at lunch were part of a new plan to provide meals for senior citizens. The Senior Lunch program recently suffered cuts in funding, forcing the Family Services Association (FSA) to limit the number of meals provided to community centers each month. As a result, some community centers were forced to shut down. Staff at the Luque Community Center, however, hope that programs like Cozy, Comfort, Love will allow the center to stay open despite the recent cuts. Since the center is only allowed a certain amount of funded meals a month, Luque Community Center now hosts monthly events designed to minimize the effects of the budget cuts. These events allow meals to be provided outside of the FSA. During these events, staff at the Luque Community Center prepare and serve the food and donations from the seniors help fund the costs. The city of Colton paid for food handling classes so everyone on staff is certified as official food handlers. The center also plans to host a monthly potluck, which will once again provide food without demanding federal funding. The Hutton Center, also in Colton, is hosting similar events in an attempt to keep their seniors well-fed and entertained. You can find out more about these events by contacting either the Luque Community Center or the Hutton Center.