Bringing Joy, Connection, and Wellbeing to Over 200 Seniors

Thanks to the generous $10,000 grant Friends of Poway Seniors received last year from the Poway Community Foundation, we’ve seen a remarkable transformation in the lives of our senior participants. With these funds, we enhanced our congregate meal program by integrating high-quality entertainment events—ranging from live music and dance performances to culturally diverse programming that reflects the richness of our community.

The difference has been powerful.

On regular days without entertainment, attendance typically ranges from 60 to 100 seniors. But on event days, participation surges to more than 200. These gatherings are more than just fun—they’re lifelines. Seniors often describe these events as something they “look forward to all week,” and for many, they are the highlight of their month.

Through music, dancing, and shared meals, we’ve seen improved social engagement, increased physical activity, and an overall boost in emotional wellbeing. Participants tell us these events make them feel “young again,” help them “stay active,” and, most importantly, make them feel connected—not just to the community, but to themselves.

One regular attendee shared:

“Before these events, I stayed home a lot. Now I’ve made new friends, I dance, I laugh, and I feel like I have something to dress up for again. It’s changed my life.”

The diversity of entertainment—from jazz to mariachi, line dancing to cultural showcases—creates a space where everyone feels welcome and represented. These events foster inclusion, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose for older adults who might otherwise feel isolated.

We are deeply grateful for the support that made this possible, and we hope to continue this meaningful work with renewed funding. The smiles, movement, and laughter we witness each week are living proof that even modest investments in senior programming can create a lifelong impact.