Belhaven Seniors’ Center provides area seniors with a means to receive services and participate in programs that aid in the process of aging.

For at least the past decade and a half, the nonprofit has had a presence in the community and engages participating seniors, 55 and older, in a vast spectrum of activities, providing a wealth of services geared toward helping seniors and resources needed to help them in growing older, said Stephanie Webb, director at the center.

“It is imperative to have the seniors’ center,” Webb said. “Our goal is to enhance the experience of grown adults so they’re not scared to get old but excited and happy and provide activities and services to ease the process of aging. There’s a negative connotation associated with getting old, but here, we have resources that can help you and show you growing old is not a scary thing but actually an honor.”

At the center, seniors are provided with a means to sign up for and maintain services like Medicare, food stamps and other social services. It provides workshops and other activities weekly, giving attendees valuable information related to conditions and illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, chronic pain, heart disease and cancer, to name a few. The workshops teach seniors how to set goals, make action plans, about pain management, how to increase fitness and improve communication with their health care providers, Webb said.

Recently, the center implemented painting and yoga classes, as well as a grief support group for seniors dealing with the loss of a spouse, friend or other loved ones, according to Webb.

“We are very, very lucky to have the center,” Webb said. “We’re able to bring resources and services to the area. (Seniors) no longer have to drive to Washington to get services. It’s actually readily available; it’s just about the people tapping into services.”

Through funding from Vidant, the center offers Belhaven Healthy Living Initiative, a program that offers chair-exercise classes twice a week and provides information about healthy eating. The center also offers a brain exercise class that involves memory games to help those who have suffered brain disorders like dementia, Alzheimers and other conditions. Other services offered include hearing screenings, blood pressure checks and transportation services for those who do not have it, to name several.

Webb said the services offered by the center are to help seniors not have to transition to long-term care such as assisted living or nursing homes.

“It gives (seniors) an avenue,” Webb said. “I also hear them saying it’s a release for them. A lot of times when (seniors) hear about the services we offer, they get excited and they feel like we care and they matter. It’s an escape from their daily lives, and it’s a comfort zone for them and they can have support through their problems. We don’t actually know how we’re touching their lives, but in some way, they’re benefitting from the services and programs we provide. Our seniors really value us just being here and helping them. For us, we make sure we follow up with each senior and make sure they get the services they need. It’s like a family, coming to our center. Anything (seniors) need, we’ll be there for them.”

Belhaven Seniors’ Center is located at 274 E. Main St. in Belhaven. The center is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 252-943-2992.