Our Story
The Bulverde Senior Center (BSC) dba Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center (BSBAC) is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization chartered in October 1991. BSC was established to provide services to seniors in the Bulverde/Spring Branch, Texas area. Current programs consist of our Outreach, Social Activity and Health/Fitness. Initially, seniors met at the Bulverde Community Center, which they continued for nine years. Since then, we have experienced a continuous growth in membership and programming. Land was donated, building funds were raised and BSC moved into their new building in April 2000. The facility cost was over $400,000 and was paid for by member donations, fund drives, local business donations and two major contributions from local charities. BSC received $100,000 from the Kronkosky Foundation and $10,000 from the San Antonio Area Foundation to use as building funds.
BSC was instrumental in bringing the Alamo Regional Transit program to our area to provide transportation services for those who are physically handicapped, visually impaired or otherwise unable to drive. Since there is no public transportation in our rural area, many of our members would not be able to attend lunch or activities. This service is very crucial to our non-driving seniors and disabled for doctor appointments, grocery shopping and errands. Our website, initially designed by a local Eagle Scout, as well as a weekly electronic newsletter were created to keep members and community informed of center services and activities. In 2011, BSC upgraded to a computer database system to track members, activity participation, meal distribution, equipment and statistics.
Our Health and Fitness program has greatly expanded by the addition of our fitness programs and the gym. Through a donation from a local gym in 2009, twelve hydraulic exercise machines designed with rehabilitation as their focus were installed for the use of BSC members. The gym provides income for the Center and a low cost fitness option for our members. We also re-started strength and balance classes; began yoga and line dancing classes as an expansion to our fitness options. Our Health and Fitness Programs help keep seniors remain healthy, fit, active and self-sufficient. Fitness program includes chair fitness, 2 different levels of aerobics, two different levels of yoga, “matter of balance,” tai chi, muscle strengthening, stability ball, Zumba, line dancing, health fairs, nutritional classes and gym. We partner with WellMed and other medical services to hold educational sessions on senior health topics/issues that are open to members and the community. Due to our rural location, these services are not readily available to our members outside of the center.
Our most fruitful accomplishment was the development, launch, and success of the Senior Outreach Service program. This program was designed to decrease social isolation for seniors and those with disabilities in our community. We provide services and resources to seniors, homebound and those in need, regardless of their ability to pay. Providing Home Delivered Meals five days a week affords us the opportunity to check on the senior’s overall condition since our representative may be the only person they see in a day or week. This helps to identify the individual senior’s needs and assist in reaching out for help to other supporting groups/programs depending on those needs, such as referrals’ to community churches, food banks or other outreach programs. Congregate meals are provided five days a week to insure seniors are getting healthy meals and social interaction. BSC maintains an abundant inventory of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, etc. to loan at no charge. BSC also serves as a resource information referral center specifically for senior needs. We want to create relationships to identify those who have low support/social activity or may be in need of additional outreach resources that are not being met. We want to identify and care for seniors before their situation becomes critical.
Our Social Activity Program provides educational, informational, social and stimulating activities that benefit the quality of life. These include Encore theater group performing for community, FACS senior night out, Potluck luncheons, gospel singing, games, day trips of historical and special interest, wood carving, crochet/knitting, various craft groups, table tennis, celebration of anniversaries and birthdays, widow/widowers fellowship group, and monthly speakers. We continue to add classes as requested by our members. Social integration and participation of older adults in society are frequently seen as indicators of productive and healthy aging and it is widely accepted that social support has a strong protective effect on health. However, an increasing amount of seniors may be at risk of being socially isolated or lonely. This may be due to a number of factors such as increased likelihood of living alone, death of family members or friends, retirement or poor health. With current trends such as encouraging seniors to live longer at home or in the community, a highly mobile society and fewer children per family, the issue of social isolation takes on a new importance. We try to involve seniors with popular activities in coordination with meals or other programming to protect against isolation and loneliness.
In 2013, BSC added a dba of Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center. Many area residents did not want to be labeled a “senior” no matter their age. The use of “Activity Center” and the recent facility expansion adding 6,250 square feet has contributed to significant growth in membership and volunteers. In 2014, BSC partnered with Provisions (formerly the Bulverde Food Bank) and opened the Bulverde Thrift Store. Revenue from the thrift store funds both non-profits. BSC also partnered with the Community Gardens in Bulverde to grow fruit and vegetables for distribution to our homebound clients and members. BSC works closely with the local EMS, food pantry and churches to provide basic social services. Outreach services found as close as San Antonio are not available to our seniors in this rural area. Our objective, along with the community, is to help our seniors age in place and live with dignity. BSBAC receives no city, state or federal funding. All support is received through fundraisers and gracious donations from foundations and community members/businesses.
