Bismarck, ND – The holiday season can be especially challenging for seniors, particularly for those who find themselves spending it alone. But at the Burleigh County Senior Center, efforts are being made to ensure that seniors in the Bismarck and Lincoln areas feel connected, supported, and cared for during this festive time of year.
The senior center offers a wide range of services designed to meet the needs of local seniors. One of the most popular offerings is the center’s meal program, which provides seniors with the option to enjoy hot meals in the dining room, pick up drive-thru meals during the week, or receive home-delivered or frozen meals for those unable to make it to the center. The best part of the program is that it is available to all seniors, regardless of their financial situation. Most services, including meals, are offered on a donation basis.
“We try to provide everything on a donation basis,” said Renee Kipp, Executive Director of the Burleigh County Senior Center. “All of our meals are donations. Whenever you’re willing or able to donate, it’s the same with our health maintenance services, and then with our art classes and some of the other things.”
None of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of the center’s volunteers, who play a crucial role in delivering meals and assisting with activities. Their dedication remains unwavering, even when faced with harsh winter conditions. “They come through when we need it most,” Kipp remarked. “Sometimes it’s 25 below, and the wind is blowing, and it’s cold out, and they show up with a smile on their face, ready to go.”
Beyond meal services, the Burleigh County Senior Center also offers medical pedicures, which go beyond basic foot care. Nurses at the center check for early signs of infections or other health concerns that could affect seniors. “A lot of times, if you’re having health issues, the first place you see it is in your feet,” Kipp explained. “Our nurses help those people take care of all that.”
The center is not just about meals and health services—it also provides plenty of opportunities for fun and socializing. Seniors can participate in weekly activities such as cornhole tournaments or enjoy a Friday afternoon movie screening. The center’s activity calendar is packed with events, making it a vibrant hub of community connection.
“We’ll be here at eight o’clock,” Kipp said. “We’ve got some fun things on the activity calendar. Just stop down.”
For seniors in the Bismarck and Lincoln areas who may need assistance getting to the center, a year-round shuttle service is available. The center encourages seniors to visit its website for updated holiday hours and program details.
In this season of giving, the Burleigh County Senior Center continues to serve as a vital lifeline for local seniors, offering not only meals and health services but also a sense of belonging and companionship during what can be a difficult time of year.
