FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Office

Address
106 S. St. Mary's, 7th Floor
San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone
210.207.8198

Fax
210.207.4254

Staff

  • Melody Woosley
    Director
  • Edward Gonzales
    Assistant Director
  • Jessica Dovalina
    Assistant Director
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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What types of Senior Centers are available in San Antonio?

The Senior Services Division of the Department of Human Services, City of San Antonio, currently manages senior centers targeted at empowering San Antonio’s senior community to lead healthy, active, independent and engaged lives.

Senior Services Division manages three types of senior centers across San Antonio:

  1. Comprehensive Senior Centers
    • Open 8 hours per day; Monday through Friday, 7am to 4pm
    • Mid-day meal served daily 
    • Comprehensive wellness activity programming 
    • Operated by City of San Antonio employees
  2. City Part-Time Senior Centers
    • Open 4 hours per day; Monday through Friday, (varies by location)
    • Mid-day meal served daily 
    • Wellness activity program offered 
    • Operated by City of San Antonio employees.
  3. Senior Nutrition Program Centers
    • Open 4-8 hours per day; Monday through Friday, (varies by location)
    • Mid-day meal served daily 
    • Wellness activity program may be offered (varies by location) 
    • Operated by various community partnership organizations

In order to ensure adequate and equitable service delivery throughout the community, the Department of Human Services continually analyzes demographics, service demands, and partnership opportunities.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What Services are offered and does each center offer the same types of services?

The Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) was established in 1973 as an integral part of the City’s continuum of services for San Antonio seniors, and providing a nutritional, nourishing meal remains the core service offered across all senior centers.

The goal of the mid-day meal is to support a holistic approach to wellness by offering a healthy meal which meets nutrition requirements in a supportive, engaging social setting.

In addition to providing a midday meal in a congregate setting, upon recommendation of the City/County Joint Commission on Elderly Affairs, the city’s comprehensive centers were developed to provide full wrap-around services focusing on health and wellness, exercise, cultural arts, computer instruction, nutritional education, case management and social activities.

The City’s comprehensive and part-time senior centers each offer a wide scope of weekly exercise and wellness activities; however, service array is highly individualized to meet the unique requests of each centers participants. Senior Center managers work closely with each center’s participants to discuss and evaluate the distinctive programming selections to ensure wellness programming requests are considered to best accommodate senior participants.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Is there a cost to attend a Senior Center and participate in services?

There is no cost for eligible seniors to participate in activities, services, resources and daily meal program.

Senior Services Division operates utilizing the City of San Antonio General Fund and federal grant funding awarded by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) through the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG).

 

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Who is eligible for services and how do I become a participant?

To become eligible to attend a senior center and participate in services such as exercise and the meal program, individuals must meet one of the following:

  • Resident of Bexar County;
  • Anyone 60 years and older; 
  • Under 60 years married to a 60-plus participant who attends the center and accompanies participant to the center; 
  • Disabled persons under 60 who reside with a 60-plus participant and accompanies participant to the center.

To become registered, interested individuals should visit their preferred location to complete an application packet. Information gathered will include items such as participant name, address, date of birth demographic and nutritional assessment information*. Items will be verified by drivers’ license or other approved form of identification.

* Demographic and nutritional information is collected as part of grant requirements and are needed for meal program registration purposes.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Must I only attend one center, or can I participate at multiple locations?

Once registered, eligible individuals may participate and attend any preferred senior center location. Each center is diverse and unique with varied program options, so individuals may participate, as preferred; including attending multiple locations.

Consideration should be given however to program class size-capacity and meal reservation systems. Meals may only be reserved and consumed at one location per day. Center managers are available to guide participants through program and meal registration processes.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What guidelines must I follow to participate?
The senior centers are accessible facilities with programs designed for the independently functioning older adults. Participating individuals should adhere to center policies, dress code and rules of conduct to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all center members.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Are there transportation options available?
The City’s comprehensive and part-time senior centers each offer transportation options for individuals who live within the designated 5 mile-radius of senior center. Reservation requests should be scheduled at least 1 week in advance and coordinated with the appropriate center manager.
Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Are there opportunities to volunteer?

Volunteers play an essential role in the enhancement of programs and services provided by the Senior Services Division and interested individuals are highly encouraged to participate.

The Senior Services Volunteer Program is part of the City of San Antonio’s volunteer program, SAVolunteers. In accordance with program guidelines and City Administrative Directives, application packets will include application form, volunteer agreement, criminal background check application and guidelines handbook.

Interested individuals may contact any Senior Center manager or visit: www.sanantonio.gov/volunteer

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How can I report an issue or offer a suggestion regarding a Senior Center?

If you should ever encounter an issue, concern or to offer suggestions, onsite Senior Center managers are available to assist in addressing the matter.

We hope for a quick resolution; however, for further clarification or information you may also call 210.207.7172 to access additional resources.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Where I can get additional information, hours of operation or a directory of locations?

Interested participants are encouraged to visit the web page of the center for which you would like further information, or you may visit your preferred senior center location during hours of operation. Senior center managers and other department staff will be available to provide site tours, wellness program calendars and resource information.

For more information or to find a senior center near you, please call 210.207.7172 or visit: www.sanantonio.gov/humanservices

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