What is NORC?
The Kansas City NORC is a non-sectarian program that supports the healthy aging of senior adults who are 60 and older in their own homes by providing opportunities for meaningful community involvement and increased access to support services. Managed by Palestine Senior Citizen Activity Center, Kansas City NORC operates within a one-mile radius and two miles in diameter of 3325 Prospect Ave, Kansas City, Missouri, the third district of Jackson County, MO area.
The Kansas City NORC works with two retired nurses to conduct bi-weekly blood pressure screenings. Members also receive health and wellness information. Each month KCNORC provides informational sessions related to specific health concerns. The KCNORC Program Director uses National Health Observance at https://healthfinder.gov/nho/ to coordinate monthly topics. The KCNORC Program Director contacts various organizations to obtain speakers to conduct health-related seminars as well as Lunch and Learns. Nutrition classes are held on every Tuesday, while nutritional cooking classes are held weekly for eight (8) every quarter.
Safety
Home Safety Modifications/Minor Home Repairs
The NORC and Oak Park Community Economic Development partnership provides contractors who perform home safety and minor home repairs to help seniors live independently in their homes. Information for these services is distributed at informational community meetings, displayed at events, and on KCNORC and partner’s websites. The Oak Park Neighborhood Organization also provides transportation to any senior living within the target area.
Weekly Fitness
KCNORC’s partner, Myron Frye, owner of Fitness4ever, conducts Aerobic exercise including chair aerobics classes on Tuesday and Thursday of each week. Tai chi classes and line dancing are held weekly on Wednesday, both classes led by KCNORC members.
Management and Referral
KCNORC provides case management, information, and referral services for members to various organizations to provide rent and utility assistance, weatherization, legal assistance, cleaning services, lawn services, senior companions, transportation, and medical care.
We work with the United Services Community Action Agency, Oak Park Community Neighborhood Organization, Shepard’s Center, Meals on Wheels, KU Department of Psychology, and Truman Medical Center.
Social Programs
KCNORC provides day trips, social events, clubs, games, and other entertainment to enhance socialization, encourage friendships, and prevent isolation. The list of activities includes Broadway musicals at the Historical Starlight Theater, Louisburg Apple Cider Mill, American Royal, Lunch and Learns, Negro Baseball Museum, Circus, Missouri State Fair. Meanwhile, programs at the PSCAC include piano, self-defense and computer classes, bingo, dominoes, billiards, and dances.
KCNORC members volunteered to cultivate, till, plant, and harvest in the Earl Abel Community Garden. The “Knowledge Seekers” is the book club that meets weekly on Wednesday to discuss and share their thoughts on the book of choice.
Program Coordinator
Cheyenne Davis
phone: 816-921-1963
email: cheyenne@pscac.org
To learn more about our partnership with NORC, contact us today.