Leslie Hoffman named Poway Senior Center director
By Emily Sorensen
The Poway Senior Center finally has a new, permanent leader in Leslie Hoffman.
Hoffman, a former senior analyst for the City of Poway, was officially named the center’s executive director on June 1. She has been serving as the interim director since Siobhan Hancock vacated the position in January.
“The board was trying to figure out how they saw the position going forward,” said Hoffman, who kept the center running, handling contracts, updating employee manuals, and looking into and applying for grants.
Now, as the permanent executive director, Hoffman said she can now “vision plan forward.” “The staff is working on some really fun ideas to make visual changes, and fun new activities,” said Hoffman.
While discussion of these idea has only just begun, Hoffman said, the center is working on upgrading and updating the video room, complete with a new television. “We’re going to lighten and brighten everything,” said Hoffman. “Make it more homelike.”
The Senior Center is also in the process of getting a new bus, sometime either at the end of July or early August, thanks to a $25,000 grant.
One idea Hoffman is looking into is creating a computer and wi-fi coffee lounge, not only for seniors, but a place where mothers, whose children are taking city classes at the community center, can relax.
“We’re looking to make [the Senior Center] more of an activity center,” said Hoffman. “We’re looking at every space a little differently, make everything modern.” Hoffman also said the center was looking at a one-year plan for making changes.
“We’ve also moved out into the community,” said Hoffman. “We’ve joined the Chamber of Commerce. We’re looking for businesses to partner with.”
The Poway Senior Center, a nonprofit that leases the building in Poway Community Park from the city, provides entertainment such as bingo, on-site lunch and home-delivered meals, health screening services educational services, and a gift shop for seniors to sell their handcrafted items, among other services. The center is open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday for seniors age 50 and up.
