FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 4, 2021

ARLINGTON, Va. - On Monday, November 8, 2021, St. Martin de Porres Senior Center in Alexandria, Va., will reopen its doors to offer in-person activities again. Operated by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington in partnership with the City of Alexandria, St. Martin de Porres Senior Center provides a variety of services to prevent isolation of seniors and promote their wellness, happiness and independence. Anyone 60 years of age or older, independent and residing within the City of Alexandria can participate in the center's activities, which are free of charge.

The center suspended in-person activity in March 2020 to ensure the safety of seniors during the onset and height of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, the center continued to support local seniors through no-contact home drop-offs of food and other necessities, games, phone calls and virtual activities.

“We are thrilled to be able to reopen our doors to the community again. The last 20 months have been particularly challenging for our seniors already in a high-risk category, increasing the isolation and anxiety many experienced,” said Anne T. Coyne, Senior Services Program Director, St. Martin de Porres Senior Center, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. “We worked hard to support local seniors even while the center was closed, but nothing can replace coming together in person. Our seniors experience a true sense of community at St. Martin's, and we are grateful for the joy they bring each other and our staff and volunteers.”

WHAT:         
St. Martin de Porres Senior Center Reopening

WHEN:         
Monday, November 8, 2021
10 a.m.

WHERE:      
St. Martin de Porres Senior Center
4650 Taney Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22304

MEDIA:        
Interested media, please contact Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, at 571-215-8731 or Amber.Roseboom@arlingtondiocese.org.

Daily participation will be capped at 20 seniors initially in an effort to scale up to pre-pandemic levels. Before in-person activities at the center were suspended during the onset of COVID-19, the center served up to 55 seniors daily. The center will begin by offering exercise with a live instructor present, cooking class, bingo and one or two additional activities. The full scope of programs the center has provided, and to which it will scale up in the coming weeks, includes congregate meals, a wide variety of health services, instructor-led exercise, social, recreational, educational and entertainment activities, and field trips. COVID-19 mitigation strategies will include a daily health care screening, masks and social distancing.

For more information on the center, visit here.

Interested media, please contact Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, at 571-215-8731 or Amber.Roseboom@arlingtondiocese.org.

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Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington serves the poor and vulnerable who live within the 21 counties and seven cities of the Diocese of Arlington, which is led by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. Catholic Charities provides food for the hungry, a free medical clinic for adults including prenatal care, adoption services, transformational housing for the homeless, mental health counseling, emergency financial assistance, prison ministry, workforce development, and immigration and refugee services. Catholic Charities serves all, regardless of faith. www.ccda.net.