Service with a smile

BY ASHLEY SPILLERS

The primary mission of Cobb Senior Services is to improve the quality of life for senior citizens. Established in 1972, it is a department of the Cobb County government, with 56 full-time and 43 part-time employees, and more than 900 volunteers. Funded primarily through federal grants and government funds, Cobb Senior Services operates five multipurpose senior centers and four neighborhood centers, all of which provide services for senior citizens in the community.

The organization offers activities for seniors including art, exercise programs, foreign language classes, computer courses and dance classes, as well as day trips to places around Georgia. The centers also serve as the home for many local organizations, like AARP and Golden Kiwanis.

At the neighborhood centers, seniors can also take advantage of the hot lunches and socialize with others. Information on nutrition, health, counseling and community resources can be found onsite.

Cobb Senior Services also grants care support services such as personal care and help with light chores around the house. Nutrition services are also provided in a program called Meals on Wheels, which delivers hot meals to seniors who cannot leave their houses. More than 400 volunteers not only take the meals to the seniors’ homes, but also make personal visits.

“Treasured Recipes” is the first cookbook compiled by Cobb Senior Services, and all proceeds go toward their Meals on Wheels program. Approximately 175 recipes are featured in the book, and all were submitted by Cobb County seniors. A variety of recipes are included.

The featured recipe for this month is Pecan Chicken Rolls, which is a delicious dinner dish.

“Treasured Recipes” can be purchased for $10 in person at one of the senior multipurpose centers (Windy Hill, East Cobb, West Cobb or C. Freeman Poole senior centers), or a copy can be mailed with an online donation of $25 to Meals on Wheels via www.cobbseniors.org.