Seniors Services
“The mission of the Cheektowaga Department of Senior Services is to provide our participants with quality activities, programs and advocacy that promote independence and enhance their well-being.”
Any Cheektowaga resident (including the Village of Sloan, Depew, west of Transit Road), age 60 plus or married to someone 60 plus is eligible to join our Center. There is no “membership fee”, just a simple registration form to fill out. Non-resident guests are welcome at many of our Programs and events—call our office at 686-3930 or stop in for more details.
The Cheektowaga Department of Senior Services is operated by 7 FULL-TIME and 25 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES and numerous senior volunteers.
A full schedule of RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES is provided at the Senior Center since its construction in 1982. This monthly schedule is printed at no cost to the Town. Over 45,000 elders registered in our daily log in the past year.
A full program of OUTREACH SERVICES is available including assistance in filing for Medicare and Medicaid, SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition assistance program), HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), housing, nursing home placement, aid in setting up home maker services, visiting nurses and other health related services and referral to the proper agency when needed. Senior Services works in partnership with the Cheektowaga Police for emergencies that arises with our elderly residents.
VAN SERVICE – in cooperation with the Erie County Department of Senior Services, Cheektowaga operates five vans (including one wheelchair accessible van) to transport residents age 60+ who live independently but who cannot use any conventional means of transportation from their homes to their doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and other necessary appointments. This is a curb-to-curb service. Residents requiring assistance getting in/out of their home or the van should bring a friend or family members along to assist them.
The suggested donation for a one-way-trip is $8, but the donation is confidential and each person determines what he or she can pay. The vans run five (5) days per week from 8:30-3:15 pm. Please try to make your appointments early in the day, allowing plenty of time for your return home.
Van reservations for MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS can be made a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of two weeks in advance (the sooner the better). All other appointments (shopping, banking, etc.) can be made a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of one week in advance. Appointments will be scheduled on a space availability basis – medical being the priority. For the health & safety of other passengers and our drivers, we do not transport residents to the laundromat with dirty laundry. WHEN GROCERY SHOPPING, EACH RIDER IS LIMITED TO 4 BAGS. Van drivers can help unload the bags, but are not permitted to enter the rider’s home. TO MAKE A RESERVATION, CALL 858-RIDE (7433), WEEKDAYS, 8:30AM-4:20 PM.
CONGREGATE SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM – in partnership with Erie County Senior Services, Cheektowaga Senior Services offers a hot, nutritious lunch served at noon at various locations throughout the town. Suggested contribution for the lunch is $3 but no one will be denied a meal based on an inability to pay.
FROZEN MEAL PROGRAM – a healthy alternative or a compliment to the congregate dining is available. Frozen meals are available for pick up each Monday and just like the congregate program, the suggested contribution per meal is $3. There is a 3 meal per week or 5 meal per week option. You can pick which option works best for you and even order multiple packs each week if you wish. You do not get to select your individual entrees but you will get a monthly menu with each week’s menu included. Frozen meal reservations must be called in by 11:00 am on the Wednesday of the week before.
For congregate lunches and frozen meals, your contribution can be paid in cash or check made out to Erie County Stay Fit Dining. You can also use your SNAP benefit to make your contribution. For the congregate lunch or frozen meal location closest to you and all the details, call the Senior Center at 686-3930.
HOME DELIVERED MEALS are available in partnership with FeedMore WNY for homebound seniors in Cheektowaga. Seniors can use how many days per week they want meals delivered, up to a five-day delivery. Each day a hot and cold meal is delivered. There are THREE home delivery sites in Cheektowaga. Call FeedMore WNY at 822-2002 for details including cost and what delivery site is closest to you. VOLUNTEERS TO HELP DELIVER MEALS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED. Call the Senior Center at 686-3930 if you are interested in learning more about this rewarding volunteer opportunity.
SIXTEEN INDEPENDENT SENIOR SATELLITE GROUPS who meet throughout the town in churches, schools and senior apartments. These social groups have their own Boards of Officers and plan their own activities but they do meet with the Senior Center Director and Staff on a regular basis to disseminate information, exchange ideas and conduct seminars on various topics.
The Town of Cheektowaga is committed to the development of programs and services to meet the needs of all older adults in our community. This commitment is rooted in recognition of the significant contributions older adults have made to the Town.
For further information on the programs and services offered by the Senior Services Department, call 686-3930 or email seniors@tocny.org