Community News 

The Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) is excited to announce the opening of a Senior Café site in Manchester. Many came to the opening to show their support for this long-anticipated resource, and seniors are already making use of the new site for nutritious meals and socialization.   

On May 2nd, the Manchester Senior Café had their grand opening. OCED Director Toni Kayumi, Pastor Susan Hitts of Manchester United Methodist Church, and Manchester Mayor Pat Vailliencourt were all in attendance. According to Kayumi, who is a Manchester senior, “Senior Cafés are especially important for rural seniors, since we have a statistically higher risk of experiencing social isolation and health inequities. The simple act of regularly sharing nutritious meals together, engaging in conversations, and fostering relationships with other older adults, can help improve our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.” 

On the first day of service, 18 meals were served. Staff hope that attendance continues to grow and that locals continue to support the Café through volunteering and donations. 

Opening the Manchester site was a collaborative effort between multiple community organizations. It would not have been possible without the Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council, program staff at OCED, and the support of Manchester United Methodist Church. 

Anyone and everyone are welcome to attend Senior Cafés. Those aged 60 years or older are encouraged to make a small donation per meal, but it is not required. Those under 60 can get a meal for $5.50. Any money that is raised during meals is reinvested into the site. There are ten current Senior Café sites in Washtenaw County, and OCED hopes to continue to expand throughout the county. 

To learn more about Senior Cafés and the Senior Nutrition Program, email Marti Popyk at popykm@washtenaw.org or visit www.washtenaw.org/SNP.