Enhancing the Lives of Seniors Since 1972.
Our Work:
Every older adult needs the opportunity to stay independent, healthy, and connected. Senior Neighbors provides older adults in Kent County with personalized, comprehensive support to help address both their urgent crises and everyday needs.
Our Vision:
We envision a Kent County where every senior thrives— where purpose, connection, and independence are never out of reach.
Service & Belonging for All
- Over 6000 seniors served in 2024
- 438 Veterans served
- 35% of clients consider themselves frail or disabled
- >33% of clients served live below the federal poverty line
What We Do & Why It Matters
Timeline – Our History
1984
Meals Program Introduced
Senior Meals Program opens to provide meals to seniors through Home Delivered Meals and Congregate Meal settings, including at all of Senior Neighbors’ Centers. This becomes one of Senior Neighbors closest and long-lasting collaborations.
1993
Robert Barnes Becomes Director
New long-term leader brings stability and vision.
1999
Home Chore & Transportation Begin
Home Chore begins as a funded program. Case management adds additional staff. Centers receive additional staff funding. Assisted Transportation is added as a program. The bus ticket program and Daily Connections, a Telephone Reassurance program transferred from the United Way, receive additional funding
2006
New Programs Launch: Health & Wellness and Medicare Prescription Program
In January, MMAP began helping individuals navigate the new Medicare D program. By May, the Health and Wellness Program launched, featuring PATH, EnhanceFitness, and Arthritis Foundation exercises, coordinated by Julie Lake.
2007
RideLink Transportation System Begins
RideLink is a coordinated transportation service that brings together the transportation programs of multiple agencies — including Senior Neighbors — under one central dispatch system operated by The Rapid. This service is made possible with support from the Kent County Senior Millage.
2008
Twilight Shines Event Begins
Twilight Shines launches as the agency’s premier fundraising event, honoring a local philanthropist or business leader each year.
2009
Grand Rapids Center Opens
Modern services centralized with meals, wellness, and case management. Still in service today
2011
Launch of Senior Odyssey
Senior Odyssey of the Mind launches under the Health and Wellness Program, bringing centers from across the state together for annual competitions. Teams perform creative skits to solve pre-determined problems and tackle a spontaneous challenge. The event ran each year through 2019.
2015
Volunteer Programs Expand
Senior Neighbors merges with several volunteer programs from the Gerontology Network, including Foster Grandparents, Traveling Grannies and Grandpas, and the Senior Companions Program. These are unified under the name Older Adult Volunteer Programs (OAVP)
2017
Helping Homebound Heros Starts
Helping Homebound Heroes launches with support from Meals on Wheels America and The Home Depot, providing major home repairs for honorably discharged senior veterans and their spouses. Kent County Veterans Affairs later added additional repair funding.
2018
Pet Support Program Begins
Seniors receive pet care including pet care items such as food, cat litter or other items, as well as veterinary care thanks to Meals on Wheels America.
2018
’16 Over 60′ Launches
16 Over 60 celebrates 16 individuals in Kent County who are 60 or older and making a meaningful impact in their communities.
2020
Pandemic Response Initiated
Remote services delivered including meals, wellness checks, and virtual classes.
2022
Technology Support Program Begins
Digital literacy expanded with workshops and device loans.
2024
Leadership Change
Suzanne Callahan becomes President after Bob Barnes’ 34 years of dedicated service.
How to Support Seniors:
Give Money
Support Senior Neighbors through sponsorships, one-time donations, or monthly giving.
Give Time
Volunteer your time and talent towards helping Kent County seniors thrive.