Krista Siddall, executive director of The Helm at the Boll Life Center in Grosse Pointe Farms, says there are now more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 17 in Michigan. In the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods, this statistic proved true sooner than it did in the whole state. “We have to make sure that we are able to serve those people, and that's what The Helm is here to do,” she says.
Older residents and their families are thankful for all that the center has done and has continued to do since 1978, when a small group of residents from the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods formed “Seniors Onward for Change.” These visionaries focused on providing a one-stop shop that would help residents remain in their own homes with dignity and independence. A few years later, its name was updated to “Services for Older Citizens (SOC).”
In 2012, when the Henry Ford Health System provided use of its former nurses' quarters to Services for Older Citizens for a nominal annual rental fee, SOC was able to conduct an extensive reconstruction project. This was made possible thanks to a significant gift from the John A. and Marlene L. Boll Foundation, as well as from generous donations from hundreds of community residents.
When it was complete, the building showcased a state-of-the-art center for senior activities and the community. In 2018, the name was changed to The Helm at the Boll Life Center.
Today, The Helm offers over 250 programs encompassing everything from fitness classes and cake decorating to field trips and gardening. “We're blessed with a model that really is based on the old-fashioned community hub model, and so it is our responsibility to offer seniors as wide a variety as we can that will impact not only their health outcomes, but their longevity, and by making their lives more meaningful,” says Krista.
Over the summer, there was bocce ball outside, while inside, classes in tai chi and ballroom dancing were taking place. There are several classes designed to promote strength, balance, and flexibility. “We know that one in four seniors has falls that lead to an ER visit, so by helping them learn to strengthen those core muscles and other muscles in their bodies and get their stances correct, it will help reduce those visits.” She has seen people start out using canes and in wheelchairs, and after taking these classes, no longer need them.
The Helm believes in intergenerational programming, too. “We had an intergenerational birdhouse building class, which was super fun, and we did intergenerational bingo with the schools, which was a wonderful partnership,” says Krista. “We know that intergenerational activity with our seniors and our young people is so beneficial to both.
Field trips to Franken Moose and Sulfur airbase have also taken place, as has a senior prom. A cultural series is held at least twice a year, during which participants learn about various countries, including China, Mexico, and India. There were foods to try as well as books and movies to view.
“We talked about the various art forms from China. We explored holidays in each country. It was so fun because it gave our seniors a new understanding of different cultures.”
Providing all of these programs has significant ramifications for seniors’ overall health. “In 2023, the Surgeon General listed loneliness as an epidemic with increased ramifications for seniors,” she says. “Of the top things that would impact health, loneliness was above quitting smoking and quitting drinking, which is shocking.”
Seniors, she explains, often experience high levels of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. “In fact, 35% of seniors tell us that they're lonely, and that often stems from the fact that we're living in a society that is more disengaged with each other socially.” Plus, children and parents often live a great distance apart from each other.
“The mental health component is huge for seniors. They need to have a purpose. Whether it's getting up and going to a class, coming in to see friends, contributing to the yard work, or coming in to volunteer for something like our Meals on Wheels program, they have to have a mission.”
The Helm provides numerous essential services, including rides to medical appointments, a home chore program, and connections to vital resources. “So there are really two arms to what The Helm provides the community, which is a blessing because all of those things are really integral to health outcomes,” says Krista.
In addition to serving seniors, The Helm supports people of all ages who face issues common to older adults. “It may be someone who’s 40 or 50 going through challenging times with a parent, an aunt, or an uncle. The Helm is here to help them navigate that journey.”
They also get a lot of questions about elder law, cleaning out somebody's house, caregiving resources, and more. “We receive a lot of questions about Medicare and offer free Medicare counseling,” she says. “Many of the things we do stem from either the seniors' questions or from their family members.”
In 2024, the center received about 5,500 phone call requests and served around 3,300 people in person. Both members and non-members can take advantage of its programs and resources. “We have a non-member fee and a member fee, so if they're not a member, it might be a little higher, say $7 instead of $5, but a lot of the programs are free. We pretty much have an open-door policy, so we're trying to help whoever we can.”
Of course, all of this programming and other services take a village, and The Helm is grateful for the people who make what they do possible. “We are so blessed to be supported by the Grosse Pointes and by Harper Woods because these services are going to become more and more important over the years as we see our aging population grow,” says Krista.
Over the last year, a millage was proposed, and they are very grateful for that. “I want to say thank you to everybody who supported the millage because that gives us a sustainable stream of income, which is very important as we grow.”
The Helm conducts numerous fundraisers, including a gala held in October, as well as clay shooting and golf events. “Our events are significant for bringing in quite a bit of our annual income, as is our holiday appeal beginning in late November,” she says.
Of course, donations can be made year-round to support current services and help implement new programs. “We're hoping to add to our services in the next year with an adult day program, which will continue our commitment to the community in providing services that we have heard they want.”
Like many nonprofits, The Helm also welcomes volunteers. “The spirit of philanthropy is vital, and seeing what people can do and really understanding how they impact the trajectory of outcomes for their community is very important,” says Krista.
To learn more about how The Helm can assist you and your loved ones, and how you can support these critical services, go to HelmLife.org.
“In 2023, the Surgeon General listed loneliness as an epidemic with increased ramifications for seniors.”
“The mental health component is huge for seniors. They need to have a purpose.”
“We are so blessed to be supported by the Grosse Pointes and by Harper Woods…”