10/15/2026
A Message to Our Senior Center Community
Moving Forward Together: Leadership, Communication, and Our Commitment to You
Dear SOA Community Members,
On Tuesday, October 13, we hosted a special Town Hall at the Washington Park Senior Center to share important updates about Serving Older Adults (SOA), our leadership team, our programs, and our vision for the future.
For those who were unable to attend, I wanted to personally share the highlights of our conversation and reaffirm our commitment to the older adults and communities we are privileged to serve.
First, I want to thank everyone who attended, shared their thoughts, asked questions, and participated in the discussion. The enthusiasm, engagement, and encouragement we received were truly meaningful.
Listening, Learning, and Improving
During our Town Hall, I acknowledged something important: We have not always communicated organizational and programming changes as effectively or as promptly as we should have.
I recognize that changes to familiar programs, staff, and services can create uncertainty, particularly when information is not shared clearly or in a timely manner.
As President and CEO, I take responsibility for ensuring we do better.
We are committed to improving how we communicate, providing more timely updates, and creating opportunities for community members to ask questions, share feedback, and stay informed.
Our Senior Centers are more than buildings or programs. They are places of friendship, belonging, connection, and community. Your voices matter, and your experiences will continue to help shape our decisions.
Introducing Our Updated Leadership Team
I am excited to share several leadership changes designed to strengthen our operations, improve consistency, support our employees, and expand meaningful programming across our Senior Centers.
Sheila Carter – Director of Operations: Previously the Manager of Clinton Rose Senior Center, Sheila has been promoted to Director of Operations. In this role, she will oversee operations across our Senior Centers, working to ensure consistent service, accountability, and a welcoming experience for every community member.
Shannon Downie – Employee Experience Manager: Shannon has transitioned into a new role focused on supporting our employees through improved onboarding, training, professional development, and consistent organizational practices. Investing in our employees helps us provide better experiences for the people we serve.
Eric Pampuch – Director of Programming: Eric has been promoted to lead programming across SOA. He will focus on developing engaging, accessible, and meaningful opportunities that support wellness, learning, social connection, and independence, including our evolving Digital Connections initiative.
Theressa Herron – Washington Park Senior Center Manager: We are excited to welcome Theressa as the new Manager of Washington Park Senior Center. She will provide dedicated leadership and work closely with participants, employees, and community partners to strengthen the Washington Park experience.
Angela Wright – Northwest Senior Center Supervisor: Angela has transitioned from Washington Park to the Northwest Senior Center, formerly McGovern. We appreciate her dedication and contributions to Washington Park and look forward to the experience, enthusiasm, and leadership she brings to the Northwest community.
We also shared that we are in the final stages of selecting a Director of RSVP Volunteer Services, an important step toward expanding volunteer engagement and community support.
Strengthening Our Programs and Services
Our commitment to providing meaningful programs and services remains strong.
As we move forward, our priorities include expanding wellness and fitness opportunities, strengthening educational and technology programs, increasing community partnerships, and creating more opportunities for social engagement.
Our Digital Connections initiative remains an important part of that commitment. We are working to build a sustainable approach to digital literacy that helps older adults develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate today's technology.
We recognize that program transitions can be disruptive, and we are committed to keeping community members better informed as schedules, classes, and opportunities evolve.
Our Commitment to You
Our goal is straightforward: Every SOA Senior Center should be a place where older adults feel welcomed, respected, heard, and valued.
We will continue to focus on four guiding principles:
Engagement. Transparency. Accountability. Performance.
These are not simply words. They are the standards we are working to strengthen throughout our organization.
I was especially moved by the enthusiasm expressed during the Town Hall, including the standing applause for Sheila's promotion and Theressa's appointment. It was a wonderful reminder of how deeply our community cares about the people who serve them.
We have much to celebrate, much to accomplish, and opportunities to continue improving.
Thank you for your patience, your trust, your feedback, and, most importantly, for being part of the Serving Older Adults community.
Our future is bright, and I look forward to building it together.
Warm regards,
Michael Vanblaricum
President & CEO
Serving Older Adults
