Director's Message
September- Looking Back and Looking ForwardJuly is the beginning of our fiscal year, thus the time when we look back over accomplishments of the past year, and ahead to our goals for the coming year. I was amazed to realize that over 1000 people come in for programs and 125 connect with support services each week; double the numbers of five years ago. Accomplishments include completing a new strategic plan, forming a technology committee, getting the FreeB running during weekday hours, creating a new outreach publication, Prime Time, which will be inserted in Town Topics mid-September, completing the 2011 edition of the Resource Directory (available at both offices), and completing the Suzanne Patterson Building renovations (floor, sound and lights). The Capitol Steps event took our organization to a new level of fundraising and visibility in the community. You can read the full report on the website under “About Us.”Goals for the new year include beginning to implement the strategic plan, completing a technology plan, obtaining new computers for all staff and classroom, a new Next Step website, an e-newsletter, implementing a bequests program, and meeting new fundraising targets, as well as the continuous quality improvement of programs and services that comes from the collective creativity of participants, staff and board.
I believe that one of the elements of a healthy organization is to periodically evaluate itself and think strategically about its future. PSRC board and staff dedicated themselves to this process over the past year. The new strategic plan was passed in May, and is posted on our website under “About Us.” Four of the strategic goals will be the focus of our attention this year.
Through listening sessions and evaluations, we learned that participants are highly satisfied with the programs and services offered. We thank you for that support and for your suggestions. PSRC reaffirmed its commitment to being the dynamic “go to place” for older adults, family caregivers and professionals for aging related issues, as well as being a primary center for building community in the diverse Princeton area. Our volunteers and collaborative partners have been essential to our success.
It quickly became apparent that technology was a key issue to address. Technology is evolving so rapidly and is so much more complex, affecting many aspects of our work. A coordinator of computer classes was appointed, who will organize classes throughout the year. A technology committee was formed to consider options and create a technology plan, including obtaining new hardware and software for both staff and the classroom, creating uniform policies and procedures, training staff and responding to emerging opportunities. This committee will continue its hard work in the coming year. A goal for the near future is to begin to implement an e-newsletter and social media presence.
Everyone in the aging field is discussing how to address the needs of the new generation of Boomers now reaching retirement age. It is clear that Boomers view themselves and this stage of life differently than the older generations we continue to serve. They want to be active, engaged and want an individualized plan with input. PSRC will continue to develop the Evergreen Forum, Next Step: Engaged Retirement and Encore Careers, and Caregiver programs as outreach opportunities to people in this generation. At the same time, we remain committed to offering a wide range of programs and services that appeal to the growing and diverse population we serve. We welcome your suggestions and leadership of programs and activities. The strategic decision was made
to accommodate our expansion by offering more programs in other locations and at other times rather than seeking to expand our physical plant.
The board will be focusing on governance issues, ensuring that the Board is using best practices, and engaging the many talents of board members for the organization.
The foundation for all of this is fiscal sustainability. PSRC initiated a Human Capital campaign to support and retain our primary asset, the staff. The Capitol Steps fundraiser was a huge success and will be repeated this year, attracting new people to our community. There will be several development activities to continue to build this fund, increase the endowment and support the operating budget. Especially in these challenging times, support from private sources is essential for sustainability.
We hope that you will actively participate in all of these aspects of PSRC’s growth in the next five years.
Susan W. Hoskins LCSW
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Previous MessagesJune 2013 - Age Friendly Communities June 2013 - Age Friendly Communities May 2013 - Navigating a Changing HealthCare Landscape March 2013 - Navigating Life’s Transitions February 2013 - Partners in Caring Princeton January 2013 - Men as Caregivers December 2012 - The Safety Net October 2012 - Documenting Your History September 2012 - A Journey of Transformation July - August 2012 - Gratitude & Moving March 2012 - Patient-centered Care February 2012 - Can you Spare an Hour? January 2012 - Challenges & Opportunities December - Are you Prepared for Emergencies? October - Chocolate for Memory September- Looking Back and Looking Forward Lessons and Legacies, March 2011 Independent Living February 2011 Witness to my Life December 2010 Elections, benefits and open enrollment November 2010 Strategic Planning September 2010 Hiring Home Care December 2009 Annual Giving by Sharon Naeole November 2009 Flu Pandemic 2009 October 2009 Healthy Memory, Healthy Mind September 2009 A Personal Perspective on Caregiving July/August 2009 Wei Ji: Crisis, Danger and Opportunity April 2009 Write your own obituary March 2009 Hope and Vision in Challenging Times Medicare Changes 2008: Take A Look! December 2008 Scams, Frauds and Rip-offs November 2008 Engaged Retirement: Beyond Financial Planning October 2008 September 2008 Caregiver Dilemmas Finding Rhythm and Purpose July/August 2008 V + OA = ER (Volunteering + Older Americans=Engaged Retirement)May 2008 Have You Had the Talk Yet? March 2008 Get Moving with FitRhythms™! February 2008 What Are Social Services? November 2007 Plan for the Future September 2007 The Up-side of Aging Summer 2007 National Conference on Aging: Let's ReThink Aging April 2007 Season of Giving December 2006 April Hill McElroy October 2006 Civic Engagement September 2006 White House Conference on Aging May 2006 Are You Prepared? October 2005 Watch Your Language September 2005 The End of the Journey May 2005 New Dietary Guidelines February 2005 Civic Engagement with GrandPals October 2004 The Challenge of Giving Care May 2004 Seniors On The Move April 2004 Random Acts of Kindness December 2003 Civic Engagement November 2003 |