History of the Senior Resource Center

In the late 1990s, the Church of the Messiah was keen to offer a program for the many seniors in the area but initially unsure what to offer.  The first thought was to create a senior day care center, but it quickly became clear that there were too many legal issues, building issues and financial issues for that to be realized.  Arising from conversations a Board of directors was formed, and “Messiah Community Resource Corporation (MCRC)” was set up.  By June of 2000, MCRC was incorporated in the State of NJ, and The Episcopal Church provided the basis for it to be a not-for-profit organization.  Over the next years the newly formed Board grappled with “what did seniors need that MCRC could offer?”  Funds were needed beyond the donations of the Board members and others. In 2003 the first “Festival of Trees” (FOT) was created as a fundraiser.

In 2006 a part-time staff person was hired to do a needs assessment of seniors in the area as to what type of programs MCRC should and could offer them.  By 2007 the results were clear; programs to promote good health, provide education, and offer community support, advocacy and referral services were needed.  In 2007 the Board renamed MCRC, and the “Senior Resource Center” (SRC) was a reality.  In 2007 the Board also was given the new rector of the church, the Rev. Margaret Otterburn as Board president (she still is in that role) and over the years the Board welcomed as members several people from the community, outside the church.  Funding for the SRC has continued to come from the FOT as well as from generous grants from the Episcopal Diocese of Newark and a few other granting agencies.  From 2010 until Covid hit, a second annual fundraiser, a “Wine and Dine” was successful.                                                                                                                                          

The SRC continues to hire a part-time Program Director.  Prior to Covid each expanded the scope of the SRC, especially Martha Toledo (2015-2020) with many additional programs including the 2 “learn to play the piano” classes.  As you will see from this website the current Program Director, Lisa Sibelman, has also been expanding the scope of the SRC all this year.   The volunteer Board welcomes new members, the Program Director Lisa Sibelman will connect you to the Board President if you are interested.  The Board continues to be excited about the growth and scope of the SRC as it changes the lives of seniors in many, many wonderful ways.

Board of Directors of the Senior Resource Center

President            Reverend Margaret Otterburn

Vice President    Claire Pompei   

Secretary             Cathy Segal         

Treasurer             Carl Brand           

Trustees

Jayne Mutascio

Hardee Kilgore

Julia Comick

The SRC provides programs, services and support that enhance the health and well-being of senior citizens and their caregivers in Chester, Washington Township and surrounding areas.

Help is available in the following areas:

Advocacy – the SRC will champion for seniors and their caregivers who are experiencing difficulty obtaining services and support

Support Services – the SRC provides compassionate listening and enables a supportive environment for seniors and caregivers

Education and Training – the SRC provides a range of educational and training activities on a variety of issues confronting the aging population

Information and Referral – the SRC is a clearing house for support and services available to seniors and caregivers in western Morris County will also make direct referrals to various programs when requested.