Director's Message

DECEMBER 2004

 

 

This is the season when we are asked to give, to assist those who are less fortunate than ourselves, and to support the organizations we believe in. I want to take this opportunity to ask you to support PSRC, and to address some misconceptions about the funding of PSRC that I have become aware of in the course of several recent conversations.

 

PSRC was established 30 years ago with a small grant from the NJ Department of Community Affairs to provide activities and social services to seniors living in public housing. There was also a small activity program at the Suzanne Patterson Building/Senior Center, funded by the Borough, which PSRC was contracted to manage 10 years ago. 

 

PSRC is a private non-profit organization. Last year, 29% of our funding was provided by the joint municipalities. 29% was provided by foundations and grants to support specific programs. 9% is raised by participant fees and building rentals, which may cover the instructor fees but not staff support. The remaining 33% is raised through events and our annual appeal. This is radically different from most senior centers in New Jersey, which are fully municipally funded. Many of the neighboring centers are smaller and are primarily a senior nutrition site. Others are well-funded and have the added advantage of providing transportation. However, few offer the range of programs and social services that we do.

 

We have already had a cut in our funding for tenant services from the Housing Authority of the Borough of Princeton and we have been told to expect a cut in municipal funding for 2005. But the need and demand for our services does not diminish as we experience a boom in the aging population. Did you know that the cohort of those over 85 years old is expected to grow by 74% by the year 2010? That’s in addition to all of the boomers who will begin to retire and seek lifelong learning opportunities.

 

I think that PSRC is a tremendous resource in this community and well worth your support. We have grown a lot in the past two years and want to continue to be able to meet the needs of older adults and their caregivers as we move forward. Please remember us in your annual giving this year, and consider PSRC in memorial gifts and your estate planning.

 

Happy Holidays!

 

Susan W. Hoskins LCSW

Executive Director