A Vibrant + Vital Hub

In 1965 Congress passed the Older Americans Act (OAA) in response to concern by policymakers about a lack of community social services for older persons. The Act now funds critical services, like meals, job training, senior centers, health promotion, benefits enrollment, caregiver support, and transportation that keep our nation's seniors healthy and independent. The ACC also recognized senior centers as vital and vibrant focal points in the community.  

A nerve center for older citizens in South Pasadena and surrounding communities, the South Pasadena Senior Center is a critical and vibrant hub. In addition to the myriad of classes and social events taking place at the South Pasadena Senior Center every day, the Center is a resource for nearly everything seniors need to function well in today’s world.

Transportation

The South Pasadena Senior Center provides information about Dial-A-Ride, an affordable and essential transportation service paid for by the city. The Center works closely with the Dial-A-Ride staff to make sure seniors’ transportation needs are met. Seniors can make a Dial-A-Ride appointment for a fare of 50 cents per ride to locations such as grocery and drug stores, the Metro, and medical appointments. Scheduled monthly Dial-A-Ride trips leaving from the Senior Center include places like Costco, Target, and the Santa Anita Mall.

The Center also has information about other key transportation services for seniors including Access and TAP. Access is a paratransit service with Los Angeles County for functionally disabled individuals. Those 60 and over are eligible for reduced TAP passes, which allows them to ride buses and the Metro.

Healthy Living

Beyond the exercise classes, the South Pasadena Senior Center provides clinics, information, and resources to help seniors stay healthy. The grab-and-go meal program, as well as meal delivery, ensure seniors get the sound nutrition they need. There are monthly health screenings and counseling for seniors to maintain their overall health, and the Center offers monthly podiatry clinics, to keep seniors on their feet. For mental health, the staff makes weekly reassurance calls upon request, and seniors can get contact info for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Line.

Tech Support

Twice a month, the Center hosts Tech Day, during which seniors can bring their devices to the center, and the staff and Youth Commission volunteers assist the seniors with any questions or problems they may have. The Center also has free wifi and maintains a computer lab to make sure seniors have full access to electronic information and services.

Information and Vetted Services 

The South Pasadena Senior Center provides seniors with referrals to vetted legal and financial advice to ensure they are working with reputable professionals. The Center also maintains a list of key phone numbers, including the public works department and the elder abuse hotline. Informational presentations include one by the South Pasadena Police Department to teach seniors about scams and how to protect themselves. 

Critical Support

Like our public schools, our Senior Center relies on donations from our community to subsidize City funding. Our mission is to raise money for the South Pasadena Senior Center. Our efforts ensure that this vital community resource has the funds it needs to deliver the wide range of services and activities that help seniors in our community thrive. If you would like to support the important work of the South Pasadena Senior Center, please consider donating to the Senior Citizens Foundation of South Pasadena or volunteering at the South Pasadena Senior Center. Senior Center volunteers help with the senior meal program and an array of other things including social reassurance calls and delivery of home meals. Applications are available online and completed applications should be turned in at the Senior Center. The City’s HR Department runs a background check and fingerprints all volunteers. Once volunteers are cleared, they have a short orientation with the Senior Center staff.