Senior community centers operated by Catholic Housing and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CHCS) offer opportunities for socialization, recreation, physical exercise, education, and nutritional support with a focus on overall health, wellness, and independence.
The centers feature a broad spectrum of activities such as art classes, trips, health education, nursing services, exercise programs, and wellness initiatives.
At Norris Square Senior Community Center in North Philadelphia, a highlight for local seniors is their recently formed “Grupo Alegria”.
The center is one of five operated by CHCS as part of its continuum of care to older adults throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region. As a large contingent of those benefitting from the center come from the Hispanic community, specific efforts are made to provide programs that are aligned with their cultural experience.
In July 2022, Norris Square Senior Community Center formed the group as a forerunner to participate in the 20th Annual Latino Golden Age Conference.
“The name ‘Grupo Alegria’ is a symbol of happiness and the willingness to remain cheerful during adulthood,” said Esperanza Lopez, Social Service Coordinator at Norris Square. “Through dances our members express their joy, experiences, culture and traditions. They show their enthusiasm to stay active regardless of age and stay physically and mentally healthy.”
Norris Square is a member of the Latino Golden Age Committee, created to educate and serve as a voice for the Latino elderly in Philadelphia. For over twenty years, it has been compromised of a coalition of representatives from community-based organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life of Philadelphia’s Latino elders.
The Latino Golden Age Committee focuses on serving older adults through advocacy and education, in particular through its annual Latino Golden Age Conference. The goal of the conference is to reach out to older adults with information and education regarding issues affecting their health, well-being and overall life. Approximately 200 older adults gather for a day full of activities, entertainment, arts & crafts, exhibitions, workshops, food, and health screenings.
After participation in the conference, Grupo Alegria, once intended to be a temporary measure, became a permanent fixture at Norris Square as a medium to improve overall wellness.
“Group members could relate to the music and the dance’s capacity to improve their well-being. The Center ultimately saw Grupo Alegria as a tool to improve mental health,” explained Lopez.
Comprised of 18 members, Grupo Alegria continues to meets every Thursday to practice. It has remained a community favorite, with center members pitching in to assist with various needs including designing and creating costumes.
This year, Grupo Alegria will perform at various events including the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging Conference and the Puerto Rican Day Parade in Philadelphia.
“Their enthusiasm is absolutely contagious,” Lopez said. “We know we have nothing but good things in the horizon for our Grupo Alegria.”
