March 06, 2025

It was in 1960 that the Pasadena Senior Center (PSC) was started as a response to needs in the Pasadena community. Now, 65 years later, and in a time of great need, PSC is still focused on being a vital resource for older adults.

We are leading the charge for all older adults and our community affected by the Eaton fire devastation. Two months after, PSC is uniquely situated and ready to provide an anchor to all with a variety of fire-related resource initiatives and support.

Within two days of the firestorm, we re-opened our doors and determined that more than 50 members had lost their homes in Altadena, in addition to four PSC staff members. Soon, we began our extensive outreach to fire victims, as well as the broader community affected by the fire, smoke and ash. First up?  Our Eaton Fire Resource webpage, a place where folks can go to find much needed recovery assistance and navigate available local, state and federal support options. You can find this valuable resource on the PSC website’s home page at pasadenaseniorcenter.org.

Soon thereafter, the caring PSC staff and volunteers pulled together an extensive health and well-being event for those affected, which included a variety of free health services, fresh food and water, and hygiene products. This event was followed in the ensuing weeks with our staff members making more than 2,000 ‘wellness check’ phone calls to our members, providing more than $3,000 in member scholarships to Altadena seniors, distribution of free air filters and pro bono attorney services, and a wildfire disaster relief event at the Center.

What’s more, we’ve learned from our members that there is significant need for ongoing mental health support. And we’re answering this need by holding regular seminars for our members, led by social workers and other mental health professionals — and we’re planning on holding in-house and Zoom counseling sessions in the future.

Through it all, we have continued to be a place of not only refuge, but of joy, and our ongoing programs illustrate this perfectly. From the recent Alvin Ailey Dance Company performance to various music and arts events and workshops, and of course, our wonderful fitness center — our doors — and our hearts — remain open.

We have become a community hub of sorts — a place where fire survivors can visit us in person, attend seminars on Zoom, where they are able to connect with former neighbors, and recreate, in a way, with that unique community they had.

As we navigate through these difficult moments, it is our strength and supportive spirit that defines our community. Let us continue to stand together and extend care and assistance to one another. Join us at the Pasadena Senior Center. For an organization serving the community for 65 years, we’ve got a lot going on — and we’re getting better with age!