MLK Older Adult Center: Hub of diverse programs and services
Located in the heart of North Philadelphia, the Martin Luther King (MLK) Older Adult Center is an invaluable resource for older adults, offering a wide range of programs and services that enrich the lives of its community members.
Loneliness and isolation are significant concerns among the older adult population. To combat this, MLK Older Adult Center organizes frequent social events and outings, fostering a sense of community and friendship. Whether it is a day trip to Atlantic City, community resource meetings featuring local leaders from city government or a friendly game of bingo, the center ensures that older Philadelphians have plenty of opportunities to interact and build meaningful relationships.
“Here at the Martin Luther King Older Adult Center, our mission is to create a welcoming space where older adults can thrive,” said Latricia Hale, director of the center. “We believe in the importance of catering to the diverse interests and needs of our members. From promoting physical health to providing opportunities for learning and socializing, we strive to empower everyone who comes through our doors to lead fulfilling lives. Seeing our community come together and witness the joy in our members’ faces is the most rewarding part of our work.”
MLK Older Adult Center also prides itself on being a place of continuous learning. It offers a variety of educational programs, including computer literacy classes, art workshops and Bible study sessions. The center’s art room is well-stocked, providing older adults with access to a vast array of tools and resources to broaden their artistic abilities. Such examples include the center’s highly popular crochet and quilting classes.
As we age, maintaining physical health becomes increasingly important. The center offers a variety of wellness programs tailored to the specific needs of older adults. From fitness classes, including line dancing and chair yoga, to health screenings and nutrition workshops, the center aims to empower older adults to take charge of their well-being and lead active, healthy lifestyles.
“Through tailored fitness programs and engaging activities, we strive to inspire our members to prioritize their health and well-being,” said Hale. “Physical activity not only enhances their physical strength and mobility but also fosters a sense of camaraderie, elevates mood, and ignites a vibrant spirit. It is a cornerstone of healthy aging, and at our center, we witness first hand the profound impact it has on empowering older Philadelphians to lead active, fulfilling lives.”
By fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment, the MLK Older Adult Center exemplifies the power of community support in enhancing the quality of life for older adults in Philadelphia. The center stands as a beacon of hope for older adults in Philadelphia, proving that age is no barrier to a vibrant and satisfying life.
Martin Luther King Older Adult Center is located at 2101 W. Cecil B. Moore Ave. in North Philadelphia. The center is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact the center at 215-685-2715.
To learn more about additional senior community centers located throughout the city, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or pcaCares.org/senior-centers.
