The Portland Area Service Group – “The Senior Center”

The senior center of Portland is a place for seniors to enjoy.

Stephanie McLaughlin serves as director of the center.

“We are designed as a place for seniors to visit, but really, people of all ages are welcome here,” said Stephanie.

The senior center offers seniors a place where they may make friends.

“We serve about sixty different seniors a week, many of whom come here several times a week,” said Stephanie. “They may use the center as a place to socialize. They may also participate in organized activities here. We have bingo twice a week. We also have various card games such as euchre and setback,” she said.

For Stephanie, the most satisfying aspect of directing the center is seeing joy on the faces of senior citizens.

“I feel satisfaction in getting to know them and in seeing them smile and laugh. The center provides seniors with a place in the community. It provides them with an opportunity to get out and about. It gives them something to look forward to,” she said.

Stephanie offered an example of what the center does for people.

“Last week a gentleman won $201 dollars when he was playing Bingo. The experience of winning the jackpot made his day, and it made my day, too,” she said.

Stephanie has big plans for the future of the center.

“I would like to invite guest speakers to the center to educate and to entertain our clients,” she said. “One man has offered to provide a travelogue of photographic slides from around the world, of places he has visited. In addition to entertainment, I would like to invite health professionals to visit the center and to share information with our clients about the health challenges that seniors face,” she said.

Finally, Stephanie wants to emphasize that the senior center is for everyone.

“The center is available to people of all ages,” she said. “Everyone is welcome. We have Bingo on Monday evenings and on Friday mornings. Anyone may visit us and enjoy the senior center,” she said.

The senior center is an important part of the local landscape. People who are interested in participating in activities at the center or in volunteering at the center may call Stephanie at 517-647-4004.

The Portland Area Service Group – “The Senior Center”

144 Kent Street

Portland, MI 48875

Hours 9 am to 3:30 pm Monday –Friday

Bingo Monday 6 pm until 9:30 pm