Needs
Develop new small specific focused classes and strengthen those which we have started within the last quarter of 2021. We have begun a weekly chair yoga program lead by a certified instructor, the program continues to grow, a class enjoyed by many. We have conducted two quarterly art classes lead by a well-qualified artist. We will continue to expand this program.
Within the next 24 months or so it is expected that the Winters Senior Center will be completed and ready for occupancy. The Center will be built on City owned property and while the City has received a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $4.2M to construct the Center, that Grant amount only covers the building shell, it does not include the cost of furniture, fixtures, equipment or landscaping that would allow the Center to Open. The estimated financial need for the first two years of operation, beyond initial construction cost, is estimated at $750,000 and includes operating expenses such as the Center's professional staff, utilities, and maintenance. Unlike the surrounding communities, the Center will be completely self-supporting, and will be dependent on individual community members along with a formal group of community volunteers working to raise the needed funds. The WSF is not in a position to fund the huge expense related to the effort, but the Center is very important to us and we will contribute and provide support to the much larger goal as best we are able.
During the 2022 Christmas Holiday the WSF conducted it's yearly Santa Bag program. This successful program serves those less fortunate and warms the spirit in all of us. Each recipient receives an array of household
essentials such as paper products, soaps, household cleaning items, and a few surprises. This all volunteer effort purchased and delivered Santa Bags to 62 households in Winters. The need is much higher but our available funds could only stretch so far. We need your support to meet the growing need. Please assist us by making a donation.
In 2023 we plan to restart events for seniors in Winters, ranging from monthly senior community gatherings where we have speakers on all manner of topics, ice cream socials, soup lunches, and formal evening dinners. With generous donations from the community, the WSF covers a large percentage of the cost for such events.