Leonora C. Rodriguez. Photo courtesy of the Milford Senior Center.
The Milford Council on Aging recently hired Leonora C. Rodriguez as the new executive director of the Milford Senior Center. The position was previously held by Janice Jackson, who recently retired after a 48-year career at the center.
Council on Aging board members said they were impressed with Rodriguez’s 15 years of experience in serving older adults and seniors in healthcare, coupled with her caring and compassionate nature and technology savvy.
Rodriguez is a Meriden native and currently lives in West Haven. A graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, her interest in working with seniors began with a chance employment at a New Haven nursing home where she discovered her passion for working with older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. Her career led her from nursing homes and short-term rehabilitation to adult day programs, assisted living and memory care communities.
Rodriguez is completing her master’s in gerontology, which she says helps her understand the process of aging throughout life.
“I have an opportunity at the Milford Senior Center to continue my work helping people. I look forward to meeting the social and wellness needs of the community by engaging them in conversation. The center currently offers many diverse programs, events and opportunities for people to get out and get involved. It’s a fantastic center,” Rodriguez said.
“Because our membership starts at age 55, we will be welcoming the first Generation X cohort born in 1965 to the center next year,” she added. “With that, we look forward to new views of what ‘seniors’ like to do in terms of programs and activities.”
“People are also living longer, stronger and want to stay connected to their community. And that is what the senior center is all about,” Rodriguez said.
The Milford Senior Center is located at 9 Jepson Dr. and is open to Milford residents aged 55 and older, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.