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If you are entering your retirement years or if you have a friend or loved one looking for a place where they can find friendship, a sense of community, education, travel, fun, and whole lot more, you should take a look at what we offer.
The coffee's on, interesting activities are in store and help is available to deal with the intricacies of life, from figuring out Medicare, insurance or income taxes to finding care for a parent or loved one, or help for any of the myriad of challenges that face mature adults.
Headquartered in the heart of Ellis County, our center has been helping older adults live with dignity and independence since it was founded in 1998. The founders saw the need to address loneliness and isolation, the two major factors that contribute to ill health in the aging process, and envisioned a center which would help older adults enjoy life while accessing the help they need to live with dignity and independence.
The Ellis County Friendship Center has expanded into six satellite centers. All of our facilities offer activities as diverse as the people they serve. Exercise, arts, travel, languages, and activities which promote healthy lifestyles and preventive care are featured at all sites. The philosophy of Community Members Helping One Another encourages everyone who attends to volunteer in whatever capacity they are able. In this way, Ellis Friendship Center and our satellites are places to experience the personal reward of helping others while sharing and discovering one's own talents and interests.
People can find help with almost any question they might have through the Friendship Helpline, part of a national network which provides information to navigate the sometimes confusing network of services available to older adults.
Today Ellis Friendship Center has expanded into a network of neighborhood satellite services extend to St. Mary's Elder Hostel, Elijah's Parish Hall, the Eastbrook Community ; Center, Epiphany United Methodist Church, and St. Matthew's Presbyterian Church. Ellis Friendship Center services also extend to Dante, Lee, and Marymore Counties. Click here for contact information.
Volunteers are the heart of this organization. Last year, more than 900 volunteers contributed more than $1.1 million worth of their time to help older adults served by the Ellis Friendship Centers. Click on Volunteer_Opportunities for current opportunities.
 Ellis Friendship Centers address the cultural diversity of the communities they serve through special programs that address the unique needs and interests of participants. Information is available in Spanish and English and translators are available to assist whenever possible. For individuals who are interested in learning English, the Senior Literacy Program provides trained volunteers to help them develop the language skills they need to function independently.
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Caregivers and their families can find help for their loved ones through our Frail Elder Services and Adult Day programs. Care coordination and case management help older adults age with dignity while residing in their own homes avoiding premature institutionalization. Realizing that both caregivers and their loved ones benefit from time off from each other, the Ellis Friendship Center and its satellites offer adult day services that provide stimulating activities in a secure environment. Caregivers also get emotional support and helpful information through support groups at the Center. Click here to learn more.
 Healthy aging is increasingly important as our older adult population increases. Ellis Friendship Center has long been a leader and national model in this area with our Center for Healthy Aging. At this medical center we provide basic health and dental care for older adults on limited incomes.
The medical center is staffed by volunteer retired physicians, nurses, and related personnel who work closely with the Ellis County Public Health Department to provide care. Physicians and Dentists enjoy being able to continue to work with patients and remain active in their professions without the stress of running an independent practice. Patients benefit by having excellent care from seasoned professionals who often have more time to spend with them.
Transportation is one of the biggest challenges older adults face. Ellis Friendship Centers Around Town program can help seniors explore options available to them. Our buses offer transportation to and from the centers, and over 250 volunteer drivers help with the transportation needs of those who don't drive. For transporation assistance, click here.
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