KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Senior Citizens of Kodiak, Inc. earns 4th prestigious national accreditation.
Event on Saturday 2-4 will include Lt. Governor Valerie Davidson as speaker.
What started out in a downtown apartment as an information and referral service for senior citizens, has grown into a nationally accredited organization celebrating its 45th year in Kodiak.
Senior Citizens of Kodiak is one of the community’s oldest non-profit service providers.
“In the 45 years we’ve been operating we’ve only had three executive directors. Dennis Murray was here for 14 years. There was another director that came up from Juneau that was here. She was only here for nine months. And then I’ve been here for more than 30 years.”
That’s Executive Director Pat Branson, who says that kind of longevity and the agency’s ever-expanding services for seniors is due in part to local support.
“It really takes a community to support such an agency. And most importantly a visionary board. And also a great staff. And we have long-term staff who have been here for 15 years or more. And that’s most important.”
This weekend the senior center will host a public event to celebrate its many years of service to Kodiak. It is also celebrating the elite status of its fourth national accreditation through the National Council on Aging and the National Institute of Senior Centers.
“We were the first senior center in the state to achieve that national accreditation. Anchorage has done it. And we’re the only one that has done it four times.
Branson says she’s most proud of being able to help keep older residents in their homes.
“I think meeting our mission statement to enhance the life of older adults in whatever way we can, that’s what guides us every day.”
The public is invited to help celebrate Senior Citizens of Kodiak’s 45 years of service on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. at the senior center. Guest speakers include Lt. Governor Valerie Davidson.
