This May we’re running a four-part series of blog posts from our sponsors at the Cambia Health Foundation, which highlights the work of their local community partners.
An estimated 5,372 seniors are experiencing poverty in south Seattle—monthly rents far surpass fixed and limited incomes, while 7% to 11% of people are living with untreated illnesses or insurmountable medical debt due to a lack of health care coverage. Food insecurity is also prevalent in south Seattle, with the neighborhoods of South Park and Georgetown experiencing a 26.7% food insecurity rate, the highest in all of King County, with seniors of color being the most impacted according to King County’s communitiescount.org.
By ensuring these residents have access to programming that includes culturally relevant meals, social services in their native language and a variety of activities to encourage fitness, learning, and social interaction, South Park Senior Citizens (SPSC) is creating a community where seniors thrive. Mealtimes are an especially valuable opportunity to establish connections with guests; SPSC serves over 10,000 culturally authentic, nutritious meals annually through a farm-to-table model where vital social services are provided in the languages spoken by the seniors served. SPSC’s life-changing programs and services impact 580 seniors each year, who are primarily immigrants, refugees, or persons of color, traveling from more than 50+ different ZIP codes to participate in their services.
SPSC serves over 10,000 culturally authentic, nutritious meals annually through a farm-to-table model where vital social services are provided in the languages spoken by the seniors served
Multicultural community meals: Bopha’s story
Bopha lives alone, struggling to prepare meals for herself. She often finds herself hungry and lonely. On her first night at SPSC, that began to change. At the door, she was welcomed and handed a name tag. She took a seat at a roundtable, surrounded by other seniors, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of belonging. When an SPSC volunteer brought her a beautifully plated dish—Cambodian Lok Lak (minced beef on rice)—a meal from her childhood, the benefit goes beyond nourishment. With each bite, familiar flavors and comforting conversation filled the evening. By the end of the evening, Bopha felt full—not just from the meal but from the warmth of community. She said, “Visiting and making new friends, plus the excellent food, enriched my life more than I can say—I didn’t realize how lonely I was.”
Multilingual social services: Mateo’s story
When Mateo came to SPSC, he faced eviction and needed Spanish translation support to navigate the housing and legal systems. Relying on a walker and the help of a friend, he arrived seeking guidance during a difficult time. During his first visit, staff quickly noticed another challenge—Mateo’s vision. He shared that poor medical care had left him without the glasses he needed, and without insurance, he couldn’t afford a new pair. The SPSC team connected Mateo with vital resources and secured an eye appointment for him. When he returned for his next visit, he had a new pair of glasses and a cane—transforming his mobility and restoring his independence. Today, Mateo regularly participates in SPSC’s meals and programs, and he continues to receive support in search of stable housing.
Enrichment activities: Vy’s story
Vy struggled with depression and isolation. Her days were sedentary and she lacked the motivation to engage with the world. But everything changed when she learned about SPSC’s array of activities, including Zumba classes. One of Vy’s greatest joys is dancing. What started as a simple activity quickly became a source of energy and strength, improving her physical health and lifting her spirits. Through movement, laughter, and music, Vy rediscovered a zest for life. She made friends at game nights, enjoys dancing after dinner, and even attended SPSC’s Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration where she saw her cultural traditions honored.
“Visiting and making new friends, plus the excellent food, enriched my life more than I can say—I didn’t realize how lonely I was.”
Annually, SPSC facilitates more than 470 opportunities for fitness, learning and social connection to help seniors like Vy. Beyond the activities, the sense of belonging that comes from joining in creates the sense of community many seniors like Vy are missing. She has formed meaningful friendships and found comfort in shared experiences, easing the loneliness that often comes with aging.
South Park Senior Citizens’ vision is for seniors to have access to services and the culturally rich community needed to lead vibrant, healthy and independent lives. With a grant from the Cambia Health Foundation, SPSC furthers its reach and positive impacts as they fulfill this mission; the physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing of the seniors served are improved as isolation and loneliness dissipate.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
