A Born Storyteller

Ms. Suedell, who grew up with a stutter, found her voice through writing. At Sunday school, her teacher, Ms. Helen, taught her that reading develops the mind. She took the message to heart. “I was a storyteller for the library,” Ms. Suedell shares. “I volunteered. I read stories to the children.” Hearing stories inspired the [...]

Celebrate National Popcorn Poppin’ Month

What’s not to love about popcorn? We can eat it plain, loaded with butter, coated with delicious flavors like cheese and caramel. Today, the flavors are endless. With only 30 calories per cup (35, if you pop it with oil), popcorn is a healthy, whole grain snack. That’s good news since we collectively eat close [...]

Intergenerational Insights

Earlier this year, members from the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center and West Philadelphia’s School of the Future worked together on a project that highlighted health, wellness, storytelling, and the importance of learning across generations. “We wanted the members to share their journey as a way to show the young students the way to go,” [...]

Generosity and Love for Some of Philadelphia’s Youngest Residents

What can we say other than WOW. Members of the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center contributed over 600 baby items for families who are experiencing homelessness. It’s More than Giving – It’s a Labor of Love The Center’s Dazzling Diamonds Red Hatters club organized a collection drive to support Families Forward Philadelphia’s “Spring into Giving [...]

An Avocation Born from a Love for her Native Language

For volunteer month, the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center highlights a special volunteer, Etty Chatman. Originally from Central America, she loves her native language and volunteers her time to teach Spanish at both the Center and her church. Friday mornings you’ll find her here teaching a class of 12 or more members. She doesn’t mind [...]

Eat Smart and Be Active

March is National Nutrition Month, and what better way to kick it off than with the Nutrition Class at the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center. Nutritionist Lynn McCullough leads a class of 12 to 20 members on nutrition and healthy eating as part of the SNAP program’s education fund. Lynn is the Adult Nutrition Education Coordinator [...]

A Shared Mission of Warmth and Love

In 2022, the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center welcomed back popular programs. Daily lunch service returned during the summer, delighting members with delicious meals each weekday. The popular holiday wreath-making class returned, which members then used for holiday decoration. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Center welcomed back one of their favorite traditions: the Thanksgiving [...]

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” This quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. greets members at the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center and is a question that volunteers answer through action. “Volunteering helps the Center,” shares Eva Talbot, a member and volunteer, “and the Center helps the [...]

The West Philadelphia Senior Community Center Honors a Dance Legend

Otis Givens, Jr. spent a lifetime bringing joy to others through dance. What do the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center and The Mitch Thomas Show have in common? They share the distinct honor of working with Otis Givens, Jr., a man whose classy style and rhythmic dance moves would capture their hearts. Otis was fun [...]

West Philadelphia Senior Community Center Salutes Fathers

June – the month that brings us the first day of Summer, Flag Day and Juneteenth. This month’s article focuses on another June holiday, Father’s Day. It serves as a reminder of the importance of dads and the challenges they face. The role of fathers has changed dramatically over the last century. While traditionally fathers [...]

Kick Winter to the Curb

The snow and ice are gone and it’s time to say goodbye to winter. Flowers are blooming. Birds are singing. And our neighborhoods are full of new life, energy, and beauty. The longer days and warmer weather are good for your health and well-being. Spring time can change your mood, reduce stress and help strengthen [...]

Support Meaningful Activities at the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center

Support WPSCC Today When’s the last time someone said to you, “Go out and play”? I’m guessing you were a child the last time you were encouraged to play. Yet playtime is good for everyone. It provides the same benefits to adults as it does for children – physical and mental exercise that also allows [...]

It’s Playtime at LCFS’ West Philadelphia Senior Community Center

At the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center, we invite you to come out and play. Why? Because playtime is good for your mind, body, and soul. Play is defined as engaging in an activity for fun or recreation. It provides the same benefits to adults as it does for children. Playing: Encourages physical exercise Sharpens [...]

West Philadelphia Senior Community Center (WPSCC): Cooking with Heart

“When you cook, just put your whole heart and love into the recipe that you’re doing, and people will enjoy it,” Charlotte Goins, volunteer at West Philadelphia Senior Community Center, believes. Charlotte, along with members, staff, and friends of the WPSCC put their whole heart and love into the recipes they shared for the center’s [...]

More Ways to Give! You Can Help Support WPSCC Members with a Donor Advised Fund or Foundation

Can you imagine as an older adult, having to decide between paying your rent, or putting food on the table? Many older adults living on a fixed income are faced with making this difficult decision each day. LCFS’s West Philadelphia Senior Community Center does everything we can to provide peace of mind and security for [...]

Looking for the Perfect Gift? The West Philadelphia Senior Community Center is Here to Help!

As we move into December, most of us are busy preparing for the upcoming holidays. Whichever holiday you celebrate, you will more than likely decorate your home, bake special treats, attend parties and give gifts. If you need recipe ideas, we hope you’ll consider buying the first-ever WPSCC Cookbook, now on sale at the Center. [...]

WOW! WPSCC Opens Their Doors and Rejoices in Togetherness

As we look forward to the rest of summer, the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center is open again to all of our friends and neighbors. Now that we are rejoicing in togetherness, let’s reflect on what this past spring has meant. Slowly but surely, Philadelphia has emerged from the coronavirus winter that we weathered together. [...]

Finding Happiness After Retirement: WPSCC Member Sews Beautiful Garments in Classes at The Center

At The West Philadelphia Senior Community Center (WPSCC), age is just a number. Here, staying connected, making healthy lifestyle choices, doing what you love, and helping others are ingredients to happiness after retirement. Johnnie Young, a member of The Center since 2015, knows all about successful retirement. Johnnie became a member shortly after she retired [...]

Thank you, Ms. Helen: Celebrating Retirement for Health and Wellness Coordinator of WPSCC

At age 80, Ms. Helen Rayon has lived a rich life full of fruitful experiences. Friday, February 7th is a momentous day for this woman who has served as a mentor, a friend, and a source of support for so many at the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center (WPSCC) – it is the day that [...]

The Power of Music: Lifting Spirits at The West Philadelphia Senior Community Center

Music provides inspiration, motivation, and lifts the spirit. It can often be heard throughout the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center, whether it’s popular hits or the voices of the Center’s members. This past February, to commemorate Black History Month, the Center was filled with the musical talents of students from Discovery Charter School. “To see [...]