WCOM NEWS

3-19-04

Miramar offers variety of services to help city's seniors

MIRAMAR--Marva Graham is managing the city's social services program.

Graham is responsible for programs at the city's two senior centers, two city bus routes that supplement the county's bus system, the door-to-door senior transportation service and the outreach center. She was hired last fall.

"There is a huge diversity of needs and we try to make it so that everyone can get some form of service," said Geri Freedman, the city's director of social services and Graham's boss. "She will be able to introduce new programs, perspectives and individual activities."

Miramar's senior community ranges in age from the 60s through the 90s, Freedman said. The growing number of younger active seniors, especially in western Miramar, has different program desires, such as a jazzercise class, than a core of residents in eastern Miramar that enjoys gathering primarily to socialize.

Graham, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, attended Deerfield Beach High School, Florida Atlantic University as an undergraduate and Florida International University for her master's degree in health administration. She worked at the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County for about three years and her mother and sister are involved in the health care industry.

"It's an ideal job for me," said Graham, 33. "Just seeing the seniors having fun and just knowing that we're there for them -- even if no one else is -- is satisfying. In some ways, it's like having 180 grandparents."

Her Jamaican heritage also helps her connect with some of the residents, many of whom grew up in the Caribbean.

"We talk a lot about stuff back home," Graham said.

The city offers senior activities at the Sunset Lakes Community Center, 2801 SW 186th Ave., which opened in August. Graham is based at the Venetian Street Senior Center, 7667 Venetian St.

The city's outreach center, at 6151 Miramar Parkway, opened in February. The outreach center provides residents with information about government benefit programs that they may be eligible for, as well as other assistance.

(source) Sun Sentinel (Nick Sortal) 3-19-04