The Oakland Senior Center feasibility study is an effort to determine whether there is a demonstrated need and sufficient community interest to support a senior center serving older adults in Oakland and the surrounding Marion County community.
The study is being conducted before any decision is made to establish a senior center. Its purpose is to gather reliable information, listen to the community, identify existing resources, and better understand the opportunities and challenges involved.
This feasibility study is being conducted as an objective information-gathering and evaluation process. It is not intended to promote or predetermine a particular outcome.
The study will consider both the opportunities and the challenges associated with establishing a senior center in Oakland.
The findings may support the development of a senior center, identify conditions that would need to be addressed before moving forward, or conclude that establishing a senior center is not currently feasible or appropriate for the community.
The purpose of the Steering Committee is to help ensure that all relevant information, perspectives, and questions are considered before any conclusions are reached.
The feasibility study will examine several key questions:
• Is there a significant need for additional services and activities for older adults in the area?
• How many older adults live within the proposed service area?
• What services and resources are already available to them?
• Are there gaps in existing services?
• What types of programs and activities would older adults value?
• Would older adults participate in a senior center in Oakland?
• What transportation issues might affect participation?
• What would be required to operate and sustain a center?
• What sources of funding and community support might be available?
The study will combine demographic and census information with information gathered directly from the community.
Sources will include:
• U.S. Census and other demographic data
• Community survey results
• Information about existing senior services
• Transportation resources
• Input from community organizations and leaders
• Information and observations provided by the Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is being asked to provide local knowledge, experience, perspective, and thoughtful questions throughout the feasibility study.
We recognize that Steering Committee members are busy business, church, and community leaders. The goal is therefore to make participation meaningful while respecting your time.
Members will primarily participate by reviewing information provided through this website and sharing their questions, observations, and suggestions.
Your participation may include:
• Reviewing demographic information, survey results, and other research
• Sharing your knowledge of the community and its resources
• Identifying information that may be missing or require additional research
• Asking questions and raising concerns
• Providing feedback on potential programs, services, and operating considerations
• Reviewing major findings as the study progresses
• Participating in a limited number of meetings when group discussion or decisions require it
You are not being asked to commit to establishing, operating, funding, or supporting a Senior Center. Your role is to help ensure that the feasibility study considers the information and perspectives necessary to reach a well-informed findings.
The goal of this feasibility study is to provide the community with a clear and objective understanding of the potential need, benefits, challenges, and requirements associated with an Oakland Senior Center.
At the conclusion of the study, the information gathered will be used to develop findings and recommendations regarding whether moving forward with a Senior Center would be appropriate and feasible for the community.
The study will follow the evidence wherever it leads.