Bandera County, Texas, is the definition of "rural," with just over 20,000 residents spread across 798 square miles and no big-box stores like Walmart or Target, no Starbucks, no car dealerships. The only municipality, Bandera, has a population of less than 1,000.

"Our most distant Meals on Wheels delivery covers an 81-mile round trip daily," said Silver Sage CEO Art Crawford. 

The senior center shines when it comes to supporting the rural community and especially adults 55+ with dedication and compassion. The center has championed COVID vaccination for older Texans since the beginning of the pandemic, delivering more than 18,000 vaccines. They helped improve COVID and flu vaccine acceptance and access as part of the NCOA COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Uptake Initiative. NCOA Executive Board members visited the center in October 2023 to see firsthand the success of rural vaccine outreach.

Soon to be rebranded as the Hill County Resource Center, Silver Sage is also a Benefits Enrollment Center connecting low-income older adults to support for everything from food to health care.

What is the history of Silver Sage?

Silver Sage was founded in 1977 by a group of 12 women who gathered to socialize, play games, and share meals. Initially, their meetings were held in a vacant Baptist parsonage. As the group grew, they moved to a larger, county-owned building with the support of Bandera County officials in 1984. This significant year also marked the transformation of Silver Sage into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the official launch of the Meals on Wheels program.

It first functioned as a typical senior center, offering meal delivery, daily lunches, quilting, crocheting, and domino games. In 2003, the center expanded by establishing the current Silver Sage campus. The journey from a traditional senior center to a multifaceted community resource hub is what Crawford calls "a testament to a commitment to growth and innovation."

Crawford took the helm in 2014, and after an intensive public relations campaign, the center's services began to grow.

"Home deliveries of Meals on Wheels doubled from 50 to 100 meals a day, and our daily congregate lunches saw a significant increase," he said. "We partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank to provide fresh produce to our seniors, which eventually led to establishing a small emergency food pantry."

Who visits Silver Sage?

Silver Sage primarily serves adults age 55 and up.

"Before the COVID-19 pandemic, most of our participants were on the older side, typically aged 70 and above," Crawford said. "However, since reopening after the pandemic, we have observed a significant shift with a notable increase in participants aged 55 to 65. This younger segment of older adults is becoming more involved in our programs and services."

Additionally, we have seen a tremendous increase in Hispanic participants since the pandemic, reflecting the evolving demographics of our community. This diverse and dynamic population is at the heart of Silver Sage, and we are committed to addressing their unique needs and fostering a welcoming environment for all."

What activities take place at Silver Sage?

The center engages older adults through a wide range of programs and activities. The flagship program, Meals on Wheels, ensures that nutritious meals are delivered daily to those who need them most. Beyond meal delivery, Silver Sage offers a variety of social, educational, and recreational activities that cater to diverse interests and needs.

Participants can enjoy yoga, exercise classes, arts and crafts sessions, and games that promote both physical and mental well-being. Educational workshops and health screenings support healthy aging. Social events, such as weekly luncheons, holiday celebrations, and group outings, help to build friendships and combat social isolation.

"A standout area of our programming is our culturally appropriate outreach initiatives, particularly for our growing Hispanic community," Crawford said. "These include ESL classes, immigration assistance, and culturally relevant food distributions, ensuring that all members feel included and supported."

Transforming from traditional senior center to community resource hub

Crawford is proud of the center's holistic and innovative approach to community engagement and support, which has evolved significantly over the years.

"One of the unique aspects we are most proud of is our commitment to intergenerational activities, which have become a cornerstone of our programming," he said. "This approach not only enriches the lives of older adults but also fosters meaningful connections across different age groups, creating a more cohesive and supportive community."

He said the center's intergenerational activities evolved naturally and unintentionally as Silver Sage adapted to the changing needs of the community.

"When we reopened after COVID-19, we noticed an increasing number of grandparents raising grandchildren participating in our lunches and other activities," Crawford said. "Additionally, many younger older adults, aged 50 to 65, began bringing their parents to the center. This shift highlighted the need to include activities and events that cater to different generations."

To meet these evolving needs, the center introduced several changes, such as replacing the old coffee pot with a new, fancy coffee machine, adding a salad bar, and providing a fresh fruit shelf in the dining area.

"We also incorporated yoga classes and organized trips to museums and other cultural venues," Crawford said. "These activities create opportunities for seniors, children, and families to engage in shared experiences, fostering mutual respect and understanding."

The journey from a traditional senior center to a multifaceted community resource hub began with a deep understanding of the community's needs and a drive to address them innovatively. For example, the Meals on Wheels program, which initially delivered 50 meals a day, has now expanded to nearly 300 daily deliveries, reflecting a dedication to combating food insecurity among older adults.

What does modernization mean to Silver Sage?

"Modernizing senior centers means evolving to meet the diverse and changing needs of our community while leveraging contemporary resources and innovations," Crawford said. "For us, this includes technology integration and accessibility, diverse and inclusive programming, health and wellness focus, community and social engagement, and always adapting to emerging needs.

In essence, modernizing means creating a dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment that enhances the well-being of older adults while fostering a strong sense of community and intergenerational support."

What's next for Silver Sage?

"One of our most innovative projects is the Hill Country Resource Center and Resource Ranch," Crawford said. "This initiative includes plans for sustainable senior housing, a new nutrition center, a food pantry and education center, an Alzheimer's and dementia care center, a veteran center, and future aspirations for a hospice home. Our focus on sustainability is evident in our plans for 100% rainwater catchment, zero-discharge wastewater treatment, and the integration of agricultural practices to promote self-sufficiency."

The center's mission is "Empowering People, Building Equitable Communities," and its vision is "Thriving Rural Communities, Where Every Life Matters." 

The broader vision for the Hill Country Resource Center includes several key components to address the community's diverse needs. The new nutrition center, currently being designed by architects, will be a two-story, 70,000-square-foot facility.

"Much of the space is to fulfill our goal of providing free office space to other nonprofits, enabling them to offer services within Bandera County that would otherwise require travel to Boerne, Kerrville, or San Antonio," Crawford said. These services could include counseling and mental health support.

Funding will depend on grants as well as partnerships and support from such agencies as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Veterans Commission.

"The Hill Country Resource Center and Resource Ranch will be a beacon of hope and empowerment. By integrating services like food provision, nutrition education, job training, benefits enrollment, and foster care support, we aim to lift people out of poverty and create a more equitable community," Crawford said. "Through these efforts, we aspire to build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, contributing to a brighter and more sustainable future for all."

Still not a member of the National Institute for Senior Centers? Join today, membership is free. 

If your center has completed a recent study or assessment or is trying out some new programming approaches, we’d love to hear about it. And if you haven't already, we'd encourage you to join the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). Free to all senior centers (and their personnel), NISC supports senior centers with best practices and innovations in programming, as well as networking and training opportunities. Ask for help, leverage NISC resources, or share your successes like Silver Sage. Find out how you can become a NISC Affiliate today. 

Photo courtesy Silver Sage