Services for Adults 50 & Better
The City of Kitchener provides a number of services for and operates three centres for adults 50 plus. In addition to providing recreation and leisure programs for older adults, the City supports and addresses broad-based issues and needs of adults 50 and older in the community.

''We value the whole person; personal growth and development; leadership potential of adults over age 50; individual needs and abilities of our members; volunteer/staff relationships; advocacy for adults over 50 and companionship.''

VIP MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
In the past the City has operated three centres that directly responded to the needs of adults 50 years of age and older in Kitchener: Breithaupt Centre located at 350 Margaret Avenue, Rockway Centre at 1405 King Street East and the new Downtown Community Centre located at 35 Weber Street West (previously Victoria School Centre at 25 Joseph Street) in downtown Kitchener.

Now, those over the age of 50 have the opportunity to access the programs and services offered at all three centres but with significant savings - through the VIP Card.

The goal of the VIP membership program is to encourage and welcome new members while continuing to foster feelings of commitment and belonging, involvement and dedication with current members.

VIP members are entitled to reduced rates for Adult 50+ courses at all three centres as well as special pricing for special event tickets and meal programs. VIP’s also receive 10 per cent off room rentals, access to all on-going groups and receive centre mailings such as the popular 50+ newsletter, Best of Times.

The VIP card is valid for one year and priced according to the purchaser's date of birth.

	Ages 50 - 54	$28.35
	Ages 55 - 79	$23.10
	80+	$12.60

If you are not currently a member but are considering a VIP membership, take advantage of the free “Tri-Us” guest pass. The Tri-Us pass is valid for three months from the date of issue and allows guests to “try” the programs and services offered at the three centres.

Tri-Us pass download

VIP Cards may be purchased at Rockway, Breithaupt, and Downtown Community Centres, Monday to Saturday during regular operating hours.

For more information on the VIP Membership Card or Kitchener’s Centres for adults 50+, please contact the centre nearest you.

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PROGRAMS The three centres offer a number of ongoing programs for adults 50 and better to enjoy. Many of these are drop-in programs and some of these programs have a nominal fee and others are free with your VIP membership. There is also a variety of fitness and general interest programs offered each session that individuals can register for.
	Bridging the Gap
	Leisure, Recreational and Fitness Programs
	New Beginnings
	Ongoing Groups
	Seniors Day Program

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SERVICES
	Adult 55+ Service
	Flu Shot Clinics
	Foot Care
	Hostess Desk & Tours
	Income Tax Clinics
	MARMO Travel
	Meal & Snack Bar Services
	Nutrition Courses/Programs
	'Old Vic' Hair Salon

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

	Book and Puzzle Library
	Bus Passes
	Connect K-W Computers
	Golf Passes to Rockway and Doon Valley
	Grand River Transit (GRT) Bus Routes
	Greeting Cards
	Information on Old Age Security, etc.
	Sale of Stamps
	Snow Removal, Leaf Removal

If you cannot clear your own sidewalk due to health or mobility issues there are agencies who can help. For details call: The Working Centre 519-743-1151 RAISE Home Support 519-744-7666 House of Friendship 519-742-8327 Fees and eligibility requirements may apply - call for details.

Grand River Transit (GRT) Bus Routes
GRT Routes to our centres include:
	Rockway Centre
	7A - Fairview Mall via Cannaught
	7B - Fairway Mall via Weber
	7F - Fairway Mall via Wilson
	Breithaupt Centre
	8 - University via Weber
	18 - Guelph St
	Downtown Community Centre
	15 - Frederick St
	8 - University via Weber
	18 - Guelph St

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ADVISORY COUNCILS

Centre Advisory Councils
Centre Advisory Councils may:
	Advise staff regarding site specific program services
	Market the programs and services of the center
	VIP Membership

For more information, contact the staff liaison at Breithaupt Centre 519-741-2502, Rockway Centre (519) 741-2507 or the Downtown Community Centre 519-741-2501.

We Want to Hear from YOU! At any time that you want to share program ideas or have feedback, please talk to any of the staff in the centre.

Each centre holds an Annual General Meeting for all VIP members in the spring. Come out to hear about the centres activities and to vote on new members of the Centre Advisory Council.

If you are interested in getting involved with either the Advisory Council or MACKS (Mayor's Advisory Council for Kitchener Seniors), please call the staff liaisons listed above.

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PUBLICATIONS

Best of Times
Best of Times is a quarterly publication, produced by the City of Kitchener. This publication is specific to the happenings, courses and programs offered to older adults at the City’s three centres for adults 50+.

Best of Times features interesting articles, program and course information, upcoming community events and an advertising supplement entitled "Front & Centre".

Best of Times is distributed free of charge to all centre members and is also available at community centre, medical offices, churches and the Kitchener Public Library.

Advertising revenue from Front & Centre is distributed back to the three centres on an annual basis to assist with program and operational costs.

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DONATIONS
	Memorial Fund An expression of sympathy in memory of a friend or relative can help other seniors by supporting Kitchener’s three senior centers. A letter of acknowledgment will be sent to the family, a tax receipt to the donor and the name of the loved one will be inscribed in our Memorial Book. The contribution will also be recognized in our newsletter “Best of Times”. Donations towards the Memorial Fund can be made at any centre’s front office.
	Zehrs tapes Zehrs tapes are collected at each centre and help offset costs associated with Advisory Councils. Please feel free to drop off your tapes at the front office or centre drop box.
	Product Donation If you have a product that could assist with our programming services and would like to donate it to one of our centres, please let us know. Products could include musical instruments, sporting goods, knitting or craft supplies or kitchen aids. Unfortunately we do not accept unscheduled drop-offs and cannot accept all donations. Please call 519-741-2510 for more information. Each year Breithaupt Centre and Rockway Centre host bazaars and book sales. At this time we do accept donations of gently used books and bazaar items. These items can be dropped off at the centre offices a few weeks prior to the event. Please see the special event listing for upcoming events.
	Sponsorship Opportunities The City of Kitchener organizes a number of special events for the members and visitors of our three centres for adults 50+. There are often sponsorship opportunities available, so please contact 519-741-2510 for more information.
	Raffle Donations From time to time, the centres do hold raffles and we always welcome donations for prizes. We also gladly accept donations for door prizes for our numerous special events. Contact 519-741-2510 for more information.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Numerous recreation programs and special services are offered in Kitchener centres and neighbourhood clubs through the co-ordinated assistance of hundreds of volunteers. The combined efforts of these talented, caring people help create varied programs of benefit to everyone.

Who can volunteer?
Most volunteers assisting in the Programs and Resource Services Division of Kitchener Community Services are women and men with diverse skills and backgrounds. Each is willing to share his or her experience and enthusiasm with others.

Why volunteer?
	to make new friends and acquaintances
	to learn new skills
	to continue to be an active, valued member of the community

What time commitment is required?
Volunteer work is available to match individual schedules. On average, volunteers contribute three hours each week. The time people donate will determine the range of positions available. And yes, volunteers can take vacations. We try to work around your vacation schedules.

Volunteer positions include: New members are encouraged to become a part of our volunteer team. Volunteering not only gives you the opportunity to get involved and meet new people, it also gives you a chance to learn more about what’s going on in your centres. You can book an appointment today by calling our Co-ordinator of Volunteers at 519-741-2564.
	transportation provider
	meal program helper
	committee members (MACKS)
	clerical/reception
	computer tutor
	peer helpers
	tuck shop helper
	hostesses and many more!

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CONTACT INFORMATION
LoriAnn Palubeski
Phone: 519-741-2623
loriann.palubeski@kitchener.ca