Oswego Senior Center (OCS) recently moved to its new location at 84 Templeton Drive, the Oswego Township building after renting from Oswego School District 308 for the better part of 10 years.
Over time, OCS, with increased programs and increased use of the former Traughber Junior High School, which many years ago was the Oswego High School building. “We grew into that space and we probably had 10,000 square feet there,” said Lynn Cullick, acting executive director of Oswego Senior Center. “We know the School District gave us a tremendous deal, but because of COVID-19, the District needed additional space and we were notified July 1 that we had just one month to vacate the building.
“Oswego Township supervisor Brian LeClercq swooped in to help, offered the Township building for the same rent we had been paying the school District,” Cullick said. The Center now occupies 4,200 square feet in the Township building. “It’s a big difference,” Cullick said. “But we are thrilled to have this home for now.”
Through the end of July, staff members and volunteers took inventory, sold off, and gave away a lot of furniture, kitchen supplies, and program supplies. They requested donors and lenders to come and pick up items and sold off surplus items. Services continued uninterrupted throughout the stay-at-home orders and the move, but no in-person programs were held.
The move has helped the Center in unexpected ways, according to Cullick who said, “It is a good time for us to take a look at what we are doing and how we can and should offer services going forward.” They offer a walking club and have held outdoor bingo, but all classes have been offered through Zoom since Spring.
“Our future meal program will look much different than what we offered in the past,” Cullick said. “Catered meals will eventually start up, but not in the size of participants we had before. We were serving over 100 each day. Going forward, we will probably offer two seatings of less than 40 at each, and we will be watching as the COVID-19 restrictions change over time.”
Staff members and volunteers would love to open in October or November, but Cullick does not think that is realistic. However, they are offering what they have always done so well: In-person SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) Counseling, Medicare and Medicaid information and assistance, a caregiver support group, and some new programs too.
The OSC will be host to a COVID-19 educational seminar beginning at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25. Seating is limited, social distancing requirements are in effect, masks are required, and they will take temperatures and give self-health screenings to all who attend. Everyone will have to sign a waiver upon entry. The seminar will be offered online and by telephone. Information is available in the center’s newsletter at oswegoseniorcenter.org, including the online link and dial-in number.
The Home Delivered Groceries Program started last Spring. Working with Kendall County Community Food Pantry, the Center’s volunteers make regular grocery deliveries to seniors and make friendship calls to be sure the seniors are doing fine. “It’s been a wonderful thing,” Cullick said. “We let them know we care, and we can answer questions about attending our online programs.”
Regarding the move, she said, “This team is amazing! Everyone cares so much! It was incredible to just see them packing up 10 years’ worth of stuff, and then unpack into a smaller space,” she said. They received some notable community support. Township supervisor LeClercq offered pass-through funds available to help the community’s most vulnerable.
“Brian personally purchased groceries, non-perishables, and cleaning supplies to start our first essential delivery, and he brought a group of volunteers along to help,” Cullick said. “Lauri Doyle, School Board president brought a group of Girl Scouts to help, and 97th District State representative Mark Batinick brought in volunteers to help with deliveries to seniors at home, too. The whole experience was heartwarming!”
Looking towards the future, Cullick expects that they will stay at the Oswego Township building for at least two years and they look for permanent space. “Maybe we can form a partnership and make our future home a multipurpose location,” she said. “Seniors won’t need to use our space in the evenings, or, on weekends, but maybe someone else may need it,” she said. All this would take planning, but for now, it is time to settle into the new venue. There’s time to dream and create visions for the future.
Seniors can expect the new Oswego Senior Center to open to the public in September. Details on all programs are available at oswegoseniorcenter.org. For assistance and information the telephone number is 630-554-5602.
Barb Nadeau is the community relations manager for Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois. She is a freelance writer with a long career as a host in television and radio shows. She is an elected alderman for the City of Plano, Ill. and has worked in volunteer coordination and networking amongst various non-profit social service agencies. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.