The Winslow Senior Center has become a lifeline for many in the community, offering not only meals but also friendship, resources and support for older residents. Under the leadership of Marshall and Trudy Losey, who have been running the center without compensation since budget cuts in 2017, the center continues to fill a crucial gap in services for seniors. Marshall, who also works full time as director of cardiopulmonary at Little Colorado Medical Center, said, “There’s just nowhere else for seniors here.”
The center serves hot meals five days a week, both in-house and through its Meals on Wheels program. For many who receive delivered meals, this daily interaction is as important as the food itself. “Because we might be the only contact they get all day,” Marshall explained. Volunteers not only drop off food but also perform welfare checks, which can be vital for those who may otherwise go unnoticed. “When people’s vision and hearing start to go their world gets so much smaller,” Marshall said. “Senior isolation is a huge issue.”
Beyond meals, the center provides opportunities for socialization and enrichment. There are monthly birthday celebrations, crafting classes, free bingo on Tuesday afternoons, as well as puzzles and books available throughout the week. Meals are provided at no cost. The center suggests a contribution of $5 for in-house dining and $6 for delivery, though no one is turned away for lack of funds.
The center also offers transportation services. Local rides cost $3, while trips to Holbrook are $30 round-trip and Flagstaff $60 round-trip, though Marshall noted those prices may soon increase due to underfunding. This service is crucial for getting seniors to doctor appointments that they would otherwise not be able to attend and often is the difference in getting them the care they need.
Additional resources include vaccination clinics hosted by Safeway, tax assistance for seniors and food distribution in partnership with St. Mary’s. Seniors over 65 can apply for food boxes based on financial need, though demand is so high that there is currently a waiting list. Emergency boxes with shelf-stable items help bridge the gap for those in dire need but the center’s shelves have been emptier than they’d like lately. In July alone, the center distributed nearly 15,000 pounds of donated food from Walmart, Safeway and Maverik and that’s not counting the food from St. Mary’s of that is privately donated.
While the services provided are extensive, they come with challenges. According to Marshall, energy bills are about $550 a month and insurance costs, which exceed $1,000 a month, weigh heavily on the center’s limited budget. “We don’t want to close the doors but it’s a constant struggle,” he said. The center relies heavily on donations of both money and food, and the Loseys emphasize the importance of giving shelf-stable items like canned or dry goods, provided they are not expired.
Donations to the Winslow Senior Center are eligible for Arizona tax credits and do not conflict with school tax credit contributions, meaning residents can maximize their giving by supporting both. The center is urging more community support, whether through volunteering, donating food, or contributing financially. “We need more local buy-in,” Marshall said, stressing that these contributions directly keep services alive for Winslow’s seniors who are often overlooked.
For updates on events, resources, or ways to help, residents can visit the Winslow Council on Aging Facebook page, the City of Winslow’s website or visit the center at 212 E. Second St.
