SPARTA, Mich. — The Senior Neighbors program will close its Sparta center on August 27 after 21 years of operation, leaving many seniors without their regular gathering place for activities and companionship.
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The center, located inside Harvest Way Retirement Community, serves as a vital social hub for area seniors. For patrons like Donna Langworthy-Cook, who attended the center for three years, the closure represents a significant loss.
"Personally, Senior Neighbors saved my life. I was contemplating suicide sitting in my apartment, and I seen one of their buses pass by, and it said, 'No longer alone,'" Langworthy-Cook said.
According to Senior Neighbors, the center's location created barriers for participants. Non-residents had to enter through locked doors, making the facility appear exclusive to retirement community residents only.
"The other day, this man came down, and he says, if you don't live here, you don't come here," said Anna Mae Spangenberg, another patron.
Senior Neighbors officials say the closure is an operational decision aimed at better serving all older adults in Kent County, not the result of budget cuts.
"I'm so sad that it's closing. I mean, I could find things to do because I own my own home. I have my own pickup, but it was the socialization. You can't beat that," said Miriam Wolcott.
Senior Neighbors President Suzanne Callahan said in a statement: "Every participant still has access to our four other centers, transportation, wellness classes, case management, and all of our other services. We're committed to northern Kent County, and we're looking at what comes next."
Many patrons expressed disappointment that a new location wasn't found instead of closing the center entirely.
"I met all these people and more, and I loved every minute I spent there. And it crushed me to find out it closed," said Ed Barry, a regular attendee.
Gladys Hodges called the closure "a slap in the face."
"It's a lifeline for most of these people. It's a lifeline," Hodges said.
Langworthy-Cook also criticized the decision: "If they promise to never leave us alone, they can't just pull up roots and run away."
Senior Neighbors will hold a farewell picnic party at Wahlfield Park on Friday, August 28, starting at noon.
For more information on Senior Neighbors programs, CLICK HERE, or go to seniorneighbors.org
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