The Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) Senior Program

The Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) Senior Program, is open to individuals aged 60 and above. This social initiative is more than just a program; it’s a gateway to a world of enriching experiences, fostering connections, and creating a genuine sense of community.

Program Coordinator Zack Nelson shared that the program currently has a membership of around 150 to 160 seniors. The essence of the program lies in its diverse offerings, facilitating cultural exchanges and intellectual stimulation. From museum visits and theater outings to exploring festivals, historic landmarks, and invigorating hikes, the program encourages participants to embark on a journey of discovery and camaraderie.

The only requirement is that people have to be 60 years old or older. Participants do not have to be a city resident. 

“I would say over half of the people in the group are city residents and a good number also live in the town of Ithaca,” Nelson said.

Nelson meticulously curates a monthly calendar brimming with diverse activities and destinations, easily accessible online or distributed through mail to members along with a newsletter. What sets this calendar apart is its informative key, providing insights into the expected level of physical exertion for each activity. Nelson aims to assist participants in gauging their mobility and ensuring a tailored experience for everyone involved.

“We do a wide range of interesting activities,” Nelson said. “We open doors to activities that may not be easy to find otherwise, or people might not even know about.”

To sustain this invaluable program, there is an annual fee. Historically set at $50, the fee will see an increase to $55 starting January 2024. Recognizing the diverse financial backgrounds of participants, partial scholarships are available to ensure the program remains accessible to all.

“The important thing is that they have access to the community and the services,” Nelson said. “It’s secondary having them pay the full fee.”

Transportation is a pivotal component of the GIAC Senior Program, ensuring that participants can partake in the scheduled outings. Participants are picked up at their homes and dropped off afterward. For those residing outside the city, a neutral location becomes the designated pickup point.

“A lot of seniors feel less confident driving or don’t want to go out to places by themselves,” Nelson said. “As a program member, you’re being picked up and dropped off at your home and you don’t have to drive at night and you’re getting to these events in a group and you got someone to sit with so that opens the opportunity to attend these things.”

Beyond the scheduled activities, the program has cultivated rich friendships within its diverse participant base. Nelson highlighted the genuine sense of community that has blossomed, bringing together individuals who may not have crossed paths otherwise.

“There’s a real community around the program,” Nelson said. “It’s a mixing of people that wouldn’t necessarily interact with each other or have the opportunity to meet otherwise.”

Participants come together to celebrate birthdays and holidays, adding a layer of warmth and familial connection to the program. A monthly birthday lunch further emphasizes the sense of camaraderie that defines the GIAC Senior Program.

“I try to make [the program] accessible to people from all different means,” Nelson said.

The program’s doors are always open and looking to add new members. The program is currently looking for drivers. This employment opportunity is to be a city employee, not a volunteer.