Executives from the Dale Association presented a $75,000 funding request to the Lockport Common Council last week, describing their services as fulfilling a role not met elsewhere.
Maureen Wendt, CEO of the Dale Association, said the senior citizens’ organization continued to expand services this year, reaching 1,500 city residents as part of 3,500 served annually.
The Dale Association requested reinstatement of funding for its $360,776 operating budget after the city cut funding in 2023. The organization employs 40 staff and operates a variety of support and wellness programs.
Lockport did provide $25,000 to the organization in 2024 out of a pot of $307,000 in state surplus funds.
Describing a standard measure for services, Wendt said the Dale Association provided 22,000 units of service, which was 2,800 more than last year.
The Dale Association receives financial support from the Town of Lockport, the Town of Cambria, and the Niagara County Office For the Aging, and conducts additional fundraising for their remaining budget gap.
“There’s a fairness aspect to this,” said Patricia McGrath, a board member, speaking of the city joining the towns that contribute funds.
“We have donated over the years, every single year,” said Mark Crocker, supervisor for the Town of Lockport. “We’ve kept it level at $50,000 for at least a few years.”
Dale Association services like telephone wellness checks, health screenings, transportation, fitness classes, computer assistance, support groups, and the Musical Memories Cafe that provides meals, all help keep seniors living in their own homes, said Barb Scirto, chairman of the board of trustees. As a result, seniors continue to patronize local businesses and pay taxes.
Scirto said the daily social and activity programs prevent isolation and support people through life changes. When seniors age in place, it saves the government the cost of more expensive health programs for elders, she said.
“I was a baby when the senior center was founded,” Scirto said. “Now, 73 years later, it’s the place I find joy.”
“We know that having fun is good for people,” Wendt said.
“The time when we used to get United Way money has gone,” McGrath said. “We provide a really good value. We are hoping you will see that we are good stewards of the money.”