About Us

Empowering seniors to remain healthy & independent.

All activities, services and programs of the agency are geared toward promoting independent living, with the goal of helping seniors remain in their homes as long as possible through the support of staff and volunteers, thereby delaying or preventing the need for institutionalized care.

We are the safety net

Senior Resources is the only agency providing services for free or a reduced rate, making us a “safety net” for those who cannot afford to pay for private services. Eighty-five percent of our clients are at or below 200% of the national poverty level.

Our work is growing

According to the Central Midlands Council of Governments, the number of Richland County residents over the age of 65 is expected to more than double over the next three decades, from 37,541 elderly residents in 2010 to 88,710 in 2040. As such, the scope of our work will continually expand to meet the needs of these older residents.

Our Waiting List

The needs in our community far outweigh available resources. With funding from the City of Columbia, Richland County, the state of South Carolina, and the Central Midlands Council of Governments, Senior Resources has been able to maintain a consistent program of services since 1967. We leverage donations and sponsorships to provide services to more seniors, which enables us to reduce our waiting list.

We Could Help More

With local, state and federal government funding, personal donations, grants and fundraising strategies, Senior Resources offers a variety of programs so that our clients can select the assistance they need to maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle. Want to help? Find out what your support can do.

History

1967
Richland-Lexington Council on Aging Inc. chartered to serve older adults in Richland and Lexington Counties.
Richland Street Center opens (Old Ebenezer Lutheran Church)

1974
Congregate Meal program initiated
Council on Aging (COA) becomes a United Way Member Agency

1975
COA co-sponsors Meals on Wheels
COA launches the Good Morning Line (telephone reassurance service)

1976
Transportation program begins

1977
Medi-Loan program begins to loan gently worn medical equipment to those needing assistance

1978
Medical Transportation program gets under way

1979
Lexington County Council votes to withdraw from the COA

1983
Richland-Lexington Council on Aging changes its name to Council on Aging of the Midlands (COAM)

1984
COAM sponsors the Foster Grandparent Program

1989
COAM sponsors Senior Companion Program

1998
Name changed to “Senior Resources, Inc.” (SRI)
New Vision and Mission Statement adopted

2000
SRI participates as Senior Access model for the State Office on Aging

2001
SRI purchases its first building to house central office staff

2004
Senior Resources relocates March for Meals to Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens

2005
March for Meals 5K at Riverbanks receives top fundraising award from Meals on Wheels Association of America

2006
Senior Resources, Inc. begins development of Caring Hands program

2009
Senior Resources receives Corporation for National Service grant to expand the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) to Newberry County

2017
Senior Resources celebrates its 50th anniversary with a series of events throughout the year, including a Summit on Aging, Hunger Luncheon and Golden Age Gala

2018
Senior Resources opens a new Meals on Wheels center in its central office on Millwood Avenue.
Senior Resources launches a social enterprise, a food truck named Señor Resources. Featuring authentic breakfast tacos and homemade tortillas, 100% of the food truck’s profits are returned to support the programs of Senior Resources.

2019
Senior Resources hosted its first-ever Biscuits & Bluegrass event, welcoming the community for a family-friendly event to raise awareness of senior hunger and isolation in our community.

2020
Senior Resources implemented the Emergency Senior Nutrition Program as part of its COVID-19 disaster relief efforts. Through community partners and volunteers, over 364,000 emergency meals were handed out to seniors across South Carolina.