Service Overview
At Lutheran Settlement House, seniors build community with each other, participating in activities that promote healthy living and support their goals of leading self-determined lives. Our seniors learn skills like cooking, painting, line dancing, and meditation. They share meals together and play games, including Bingo. And our seniors have access to health coaching so they can stay active and independent. For those who are caring for an older loved one, our CARES program provides counseling and support groups to help caregivers manage their stress and anxiety.
Programs & Resources
Programs
Meals for Seniors
The Senior Community Center provides meals, groceries, and nutrition education to individuals 55 and older. Daily meals are served on site at 11:30am in a…
Senior Activities
Our Senior Community Center is a space for older community members to come together and participate in a number of recreational, social, educational, and health and wellness related activities.
Senior Community Center
The Senior Community Center offers programs that maintain and improve physical and mental well-being while building community and neighborhood connections.
Senior Food Access and Nutrition
The Senior Community Center provides free meals, groceries, and nutrition education to individuals 55 and older.
Caregiver Support
The CARES Program (CAregivers REducing Stress) provides support to unpaid, informal family caregivers of older adults, adults with disabilities, and nonparental caregivers of young children, such as grandparents.
Health
The Senior Community Center offers programs focused on maintaining and improving physical and mental well-being.
Upcoming Events
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$10 Haircuts with Karen
You can’t find a better bargain on a haircut than here at LSH! For just $10, our wonderful volunteer Karen will give you the cut of your dreams, even styling and drying.
All you need to do is register for a 30-minute time slot in advance – either in person with Geneva Scafe, SC Activities Coordinator, by phone at 215-236-8610 ext.1206, or by email at gscafe@lshphilly.org
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Compulsively Creating
Join us for our newest art class: Compulsively Creating with instructor Maxi. Participants have the opportunity to learn a variety of mediums including wood burning and watercolor-pen technique using recycled materials. Build mastery in new mediums and figure out what works for you in this class for all levels.
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required. See flyer below for more details.
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Mat Yoga
Join us for a yoga series led by Roots 2 Rise. In Touch Yoga is a blend of physical yoga practice, breathwork, and meditation, designed specifically for people to become more in touch with their bodies. It focuses on relieving tension in the body and building strength and balance. This practice is accessible to everyone at all levels. Please bring your own mat!
Open to anyone in the community, no registration necessary.
Questions? Contact Geneva Scafe by phone at 215-426-8610 ext.1206 or by email at gscafe@lshphilly.org -
Cooking Class
Come check out our weekly cooking class! Each week participants learn to cook a new healthy dish, try it, and take home the recipe.
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Enhance Fitness Exercise
Exercise is a whole lot of fun in this evidence-based Enhance Fitness exercise program. Participants are led by a certified instructor in an hour long class focused on dynamic cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance, and flexibility.
A typical one-hour session includes:
- A 5-minute warm-up to get the blood flowing to the muscles
- A 20-minute aerobic workout that gets participants moving
- A 5-minute cool-down to lower the heart rate safely
- A 20-minute strength training workout with soft cuff weights on the arms and legs (0 up to 20 pounds)
- A 10-minute stretching workout to keep the muscles flexible
- Dynamic and static balance exercises throughout the class
- Lots of opportunities for participants to make new friends
Classes are open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Afternoon Movie
June 2023 Movie Schedule:
Monday, June 5th: Casablanca (1942)
Description: A cynical expatriate American café owner struggles to decide whether or not to help his former lover and her fugitive husband escape the Nazis in French Morocco.
Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid
Click here to watch the trailer
Monday, June 12th: Gone with the Wind (1939)
Description: American motion picture classic in which a manipulative woman and a roguish man conduct a turbulent romance during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods. Starring: Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Thomas Mitchell
Click here to watch the trailer
Monday, June 19th: LSH Closed for Juneteenth Holiday
Monday, June 26th: From here to Eternity (1953)
Description: At a U.S. Army base in 1941 Hawaii, a private is cruelly punished for not boxing on his unit’s team, while his commanding officer’s wife and top aide begin a tentative affair. Starring: Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr
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Trip to Wildwood, NJ
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Chronic Disease Management Program
Want to take charge of your health? Register today for a FREE six-week workshop to help you self-manage chronic disease.
This is a highly interactive 6-week workshop with weekly in-person 2.5 hour sessions. In the workshop, you will learn how to address and combat fatigue, pain, sleep, shortness of breath, stress & emotional difficulties. You will also learn breathing techniques, fall prevention, healthy eating, communication and problem solving skills. Gain support from others who have similar health issues!
Registration is required for this workshop and spots are limited. Anyone 55+ can register. To register, contact Geneva Scafe by phone at 215-426-8610 ext.1206 or by email at gscafe@lshphilly.org
-
Enhance Fitness Exercise
Exercise is a whole lot of fun in this evidence-based Enhance Fitness exercise program. Participants are led by a certified instructor in an hour long class focused on dynamic cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance, and flexibility.
A typical one-hour session includes:
- A 5-minute warm-up to get the blood flowing to the muscles
- A 20-minute aerobic workout that gets participants moving
- A 5-minute cool-down to lower the heart rate safely
- A 20-minute strength training workout with soft cuff weights on the arms and legs (0 up to 20 pounds)
- A 10-minute stretching workout to keep the muscles flexible
- Dynamic and static balance exercises throughout the class
- Lots of opportunities for participants to make new friends
Classes are open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Creating Freedom with Words
Creating Freedom with Words is an opportunity to express yourself and open up in a non-judgmental space. Guided writing exercises are accompanied by group discussion.
This workshop is open to anyone 55+, no registration required. To learn more about the class, see flyer below.
-
Morning Bingo
Feeling lucky? Join us for penny and dollar bingo games every Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Bingo boards and chips are provided. Participants are asked to please bring their own pennies and dollar bills.
Bingo is open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Line Dancing Class
Looking to impress your friends on the dance floor? You can learn all the best moves in line dancing class at LSH! Line dancing offers a great form of exercise as well as the opportunity to enjoy music and make friends. No experience necessary!
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Zumba Gold
Get your exercise in the fun way and try out our Zumba class! Zumba is a widely popular fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. Zumba Gold is the lower-intensity version of a typical Zumba class and was designed to meet the anatomical, physiological and psychological needs of seniors.
Classes are open to anyone 55+, no registration necessary.
-
Cardio Drumming
Cardio drumming combines creativity and fitness into one fun exercise. This class involves “drumming” on an exercise ball and dancing with music as a form of exercise. Our experienced Coach Jackee leads this hour-long drumming class that can help to improve your coordination and ability to focus while strengthening your arms and core. Come try it out!
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
H.I.I.T Class
H.I.I.T stands for High Intensity Interval Training. The name may sound intimidating but the class will be a warm and welcoming space intended for all levels of movement. H.I.I.T Instructor Kiara Kahan aims to create a class that is affirming, inclusive and empowering through movement and community. Options will be offered so that you can create a class that works for you and your body’s wants and needs on any given day. Whether you do every move as offered, or choose to do your own thing; dancing around the whole time, or just laying on your mat, you are invited to come as you are and take what you need! Get ready for a short & sweet 45 minute class that will leave you feeling upbeat and energized.
This class is free & open to anyone in the community. All you need for this class is a yoga mat and your body. Bring your own mat if you can – we do have a few extras! For more info email kkahan@lshphilly.org
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Tai Chi Class
Join us for Tai Chi classes, a gentle exercise that is practiced for defense training, health benefits, and meditation. Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that can help you maintain strength, flexibility, balance, and mental health. Classes are open to all levels & abilities, 55+.
No registration required, just drop in!
-
Art Class
You can do more than just stick figures! Come improve your artistic skill set in our weekly art class, led by local artist Sheena Garcia. Classes rotate between acrylic painting, watercolors, sketching, and much more. All materials are included.
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Crochet Circle
Join volunteer instructors Marie and Barbara in this weekly crochet circle meeting. The circle is a great way to make friends, improve your crocheting skills, or learn how to crochet in the first place!
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Portrait Puppet Workshop
Learn the history of Jim Henson’s Muppets! Become a puppet-maker and puppeteer! Create your very own Muppet-inspired character in your likeness or in the special way you see yourself. Participants are instructed in by local artist Sheena Garcia. All materials will be provided. This project involves beginner sewing, but no experience is necessary.
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required. See flyer below for more details.
-
Computer Class
Looking to improve your computer skills? Look no further than our Thursday morning computer class. Each week, instructor KB leads the class in computer and internet basics. Come learn something new! Computers & materials will be provided.
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Belly Dancing Class
Every Friday afternoon, participants have the opportunity to practice belly dancing with an experienced instructor. Belly dancing is a dance form that originated centuries ago but continues to thrive today! It is a great low-impact exercise with benefits like weight loss, muscle toning, improved posture, and relaxation. Come try it out!
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Afternoon Bingo
Feeling lucky? Join us for penny and dollar bingo games every Friday afternoon. Bingo boards and chips are provided. Participants are asked to please bring their own pennies and dollar bills.
Bingo is open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Matter of Balance Program
Do you have concerns about falling? Many older adults have concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. This is a weekly 8-week, 2-hour program.
You will learn to
- view falls as controllable
- set goals for increasing activity
- make changes to reduce fall risks at home
- exercise to increase strength and balance
Who should attend?
- anyone concerned about falls
- anyone interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength
- anyone who has fallen in the past
- anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns.
The MOB Program is free and open to anyone 55+, but registration is required and spots are limited. To register contact Geneva Scafe by phone at 215-426-8610 ext.1206 or by email at gscafe@lshphilly.org
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Flower Arrangement Bar
Immerse yourself in a world of vibrant colors, fragrances, and the beauty of blooming flowers. Explore your creativity by arranging your very own vase of flowers to take home! The flower bar will be open from 9am-12pm, but you must be registered to participate. Flowers are generously provided by Forget Me Knot flower company.
This event is open to anyone 55+, but registration is required and spaces are limited. To register, contact Geneva Scafe, SC Activities Coordinator, by phone at 215-426-8610 ext.1206 or by email at gscafe@lshphilly.org.
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Summer Heat Safety Workshop
It’s going to be hot this summer, Philly! Join the Health Department for an in-person workshop. Learn about tips, resources and places to stay safe on extremely hot days.
This event is open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
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Free Hearing Aid Screenings
Having trouble hearing lately? Come down to LSH to get a free hearing aid screening from Sound Investment Services.
This event is open to anyone 55+, but advance registration is required. To register, contact Geneva Scafe, SC Activities Coordinator, by phone at 215-426-8610 ext.1206 or by email at gscafe@lshphilly.org.
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Monthly Birthdays Celebration
The monthly birthday celebration is an opportunity to celebrate all members who had a birthday this month. Enjoy cupcakes and ice cream while we celebrate our members!
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required. You do not need to have a birthday this month to participate!
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Father’s Day Meal
Celebrate Father’s Day with a delicious hot meal here at LSH. We will be serving a menu of baked chicken thigh with herbed gravy, baked macaroni & cheese, broccoli florets & tossed salad with cucumber & tomato.
This event is free and open to anyone 55+, but advance registration is required. To register, contact Geneva Scafe, SC Activities coordinator, by phone at 215-426-8610 ext. 1206 or by email at gscafe@lshphilly.org
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CLOSED – Juneteenth
LSH Community Center and Food Pantry will be CLOSED Monday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. All weekly activities and food distribution are cancelled this day.
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Summer Meditation Series (1 of 3)
Join Dr. Loren Thomas in this monthly meditation series for beginners!
About Meditation
Lots of things come to mind when we hear the word meditation. It means many different things to different people. But, most simply, meditation is putting our attention on what is happening right now–in the exact moment. It helps us take our mind of the past and away from future possibilities. Meditation helps us cope with stress, tension, loneliness, fears, worry. Essentially, it is one way to move toward inner peace, calmness, and happiness.
About the Instructor
Loren is retired after a career in education where he served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools in NJ. He later served as a college faculty and dean. Now he teaches yoga and meditation. He remains an avid trail runner. Most importantly he is the chief fan of his grandchildren. He is delighted to share the practice of meditation with folks at Lutheran Settlement House through our partnership with Roots2Rise.
Sessions from 12-1pm on Wednesday, June 21st, Wednesday July 19th, and Wednesday, August 9th. Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Candle Making Workshop
Discover the art and science of candle making. Create your own one-of-a-kind candle with an expert candle-maker. Supplies & instruction provided by Mama’s Light Co.
This event is free and open to anyone 55+, but registration is required and spots are limited. To register, please contact Geneva Scafe, SC Activities Coordinator, by phone at 215-426-8610 or by email at gscafe@lshphilly.org.
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Center General Meeting
Learn about upcoming events and changes in the senior center at our Center General Meeting. Center director Meg Finley updates the center on schedule changes and special events and opens the floor to questions at the end of each meeting.
This meeting is open to anyone 55+, no registration required
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“Using Technology to Stay Connected” Presentation & Bingo with Humana
Join us for a presentation covering the topic of staying connected using technology, followed by bingo games with prizes. This event also includes a Medicare info session with Humana.
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
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Karaoke Happy Hour
Get ready to sing your heart out at our second-ever Karaoke happy hour event. For the cost of $5, you can sing all the songs you want, eat all the snacks you want, and even bring your own beverage to enjoy (non-alcoholic beverages will be provided).
This event is open to anyone 55+, but registration is required. To register, contact Geneva Scafe, SC Activities Coordinator by phone at 215-426-8610 ext.1206 or by email at gscafe@lshphilly.org
-
$10 Haircuts with Karen
You can’t find a better bargain on a haircut than here at LSH! For just $10, our wonderful volunteer Karen will give you the cut of your dreams, even styling and drying.
All you need to do is register for a 30-minute time slot in advance – either in person with Geneva Scafe, SC Activities Coordinator, by phone at 215-236-8610 ext.1206, or by email at gscafe@lshphilly.org
-
Compulsively Creating
Join us for our newest art class: Compulsively Creating with instructor Maxi. Participants have the opportunity to learn a variety of mediums including wood burning and watercolor-pen technique using recycled materials. Build mastery in new mediums and figure out what works for you in this class for all levels.
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required. See flyer below for more details.
-
Afternoon Movie
June 2023 Movie Schedule:
Monday, June 5th: Casablanca (1942)
Description: A cynical expatriate American café owner struggles to decide whether or not to help his former lover and her fugitive husband escape the Nazis in French Morocco.
Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid
Click here to watch the trailer
Monday, June 12th: Gone with the Wind (1939)
Description: American motion picture classic in which a manipulative woman and a roguish man conduct a turbulent romance during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods. Starring: Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Thomas Mitchell
Click here to watch the trailer
Monday, June 19th: LSH Closed for Juneteenth Holiday
Monday, June 26th: From here to Eternity (1953)
Description: At a U.S. Army base in 1941 Hawaii, a private is cruelly punished for not boxing on his unit’s team, while his commanding officer’s wife and top aide begin a tentative affair. Starring: Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr
-
Cooking Class
Come check out our weekly cooking class! Each week participants learn to cook a new healthy dish, try it, and take home the recipe.
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Enhance Fitness Exercise
Exercise is a whole lot of fun in this evidence-based Enhance Fitness exercise program. Participants are led by a certified instructor in an hour long class focused on dynamic cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance, and flexibility.
A typical one-hour session includes:
- A 5-minute warm-up to get the blood flowing to the muscles
- A 20-minute aerobic workout that gets participants moving
- A 5-minute cool-down to lower the heart rate safely
- A 20-minute strength training workout with soft cuff weights on the arms and legs (0 up to 20 pounds)
- A 10-minute stretching workout to keep the muscles flexible
- Dynamic and static balance exercises throughout the class
- Lots of opportunities for participants to make new friends
Classes are open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Line Dancing Class
Looking to impress your friends on the dance floor? You can learn all the best moves in line dancing class at LSH! Line dancing offers a great form of exercise as well as the opportunity to enjoy music and make friends. No experience necessary!
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Creating Freedom with Words
Creating Freedom with Words is an opportunity to express yourself and open up in a non-judgmental space. Guided writing exercises are accompanied by group discussion.
This workshop is open to anyone 55+, no registration required. To learn more about the class, see flyer below.
-
Enhance Fitness Exercise
Exercise is a whole lot of fun in this evidence-based Enhance Fitness exercise program. Participants are led by a certified instructor in an hour long class focused on dynamic cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance, and flexibility.
A typical one-hour session includes:
- A 5-minute warm-up to get the blood flowing to the muscles
- A 20-minute aerobic workout that gets participants moving
- A 5-minute cool-down to lower the heart rate safely
- A 20-minute strength training workout with soft cuff weights on the arms and legs (0 up to 20 pounds)
- A 10-minute stretching workout to keep the muscles flexible
- Dynamic and static balance exercises throughout the class
- Lots of opportunities for participants to make new friends
Classes are open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Morning Bingo
Feeling lucky? Join us for penny and dollar bingo games every Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Bingo boards and chips are provided. Participants are asked to please bring their own pennies and dollar bills.
Bingo is open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
CLOSED – Independence Day
LSH Community Center and Food Pantry will be CLOSED Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. All weekly activities and food distribution are cancelled this day.
-
Zumba Gold
Get your exercise in the fun way and try out our Zumba class! Zumba is a widely popular fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. Zumba Gold is the lower-intensity version of a typical Zumba class and was designed to meet the anatomical, physiological and psychological needs of seniors.
Classes are open to anyone 55+, no registration necessary.
-
Cardio Drumming
Cardio drumming combines creativity and fitness into one fun exercise. This class involves “drumming” on an exercise ball and dancing with music as a form of exercise. Our experienced Coach Jackee leads this hour-long drumming class that can help to improve your coordination and ability to focus while strengthening your arms and core. Come try it out!
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
H.I.I.T Class
H.I.I.T stands for High Intensity Interval Training. The name may sound intimidating but the class will be a warm and welcoming space intended for all levels of movement. H.I.I.T Instructor Kiara Kahan aims to create a class that is affirming, inclusive and empowering through movement and community. Options will be offered so that you can create a class that works for you and your body’s wants and needs on any given day. Whether you do every move as offered, or choose to do your own thing; dancing around the whole time, or just laying on your mat, you are invited to come as you are and take what you need! Get ready for a short & sweet 45 minute class that will leave you feeling upbeat and energized.
This class is free & open to anyone in the community. All you need for this class is a yoga mat and your body. Bring your own mat if you can – we do have a few extras! For more info email kkahan@lshphilly.org
-
Tai Chi Class
Join us for Tai Chi classes, a gentle exercise that is practiced for defense training, health benefits, and meditation. Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that can help you maintain strength, flexibility, balance, and mental health. Classes are open to all levels & abilities, 55+.
No registration required, just drop in!
-
Art Class
You can do more than just stick figures! Come improve your artistic skill set in our weekly art class, led by local artist Sheena Garcia. Classes rotate between acrylic painting, watercolors, sketching, and much more. All materials are included.
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Computer Class
Looking to improve your computer skills? Look no further than our Thursday morning computer class. Each week, instructor KB leads the class in computer and internet basics. Come learn something new! Computers & materials will be provided.
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Portrait Puppet Workshop
Learn the history of Jim Henson’s Muppets! Become a puppet-maker and puppeteer! Create your very own Muppet-inspired character in your likeness or in the special way you see yourself. Participants are instructed in by local artist Sheena Garcia. All materials will be provided. This project involves beginner sewing, but no experience is necessary.
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required. See flyer below for more details.
-
Crochet Circle
Join volunteer instructors Marie and Barbara in this weekly crochet circle meeting. The circle is a great way to make friends, improve your crocheting skills, or learn how to crochet in the first place!
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Afternoon Bingo
Feeling lucky? Join us for penny and dollar bingo games every Friday afternoon. Bingo boards and chips are provided. Participants are asked to please bring their own pennies and dollar bills.
Bingo is open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Belly Dancing Class
Every Friday afternoon, participants have the opportunity to practice belly dancing with an experienced instructor. Belly dancing is a dance form that originated centuries ago but continues to thrive today! It is a great low-impact exercise with benefits like weight loss, muscle toning, improved posture, and relaxation. Come try it out!
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Summer Meditation Series (2 of 3)
Join Dr. Loren Thomas in this monthly meditation series for beginners!
About Meditation
Lots of things come to mind when we hear the word meditation. It means many different things to different people. But, most simply, meditation is putting our attention on what is happening right now–in the exact moment. It helps us take our mind of the past and away from future possibilities. Meditation helps us cope with stress, tension, loneliness, fears, worry. Essentially, it is one way to move toward inner peace, calmness, and happiness.
About the Instructor
Loren is retired after a career in education where he served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools in NJ. He later served as a college faculty and dean. Now he teaches yoga and meditation. He remains an avid trail runner. Most importantly he is the chief fan of his grandchildren. He is delighted to share the practice of meditation with folks at Lutheran Settlement House through our partnership with Roots2Rise.
Sessions from 12-1pm on Wednesday, June 21st, Wednesday July 19th, and Wednesday, August 9th. Open to anyone 55+, no registration required.
-
Monthly Birthdays Celebration
The monthly birthday celebration is an opportunity to celebrate all members who had a birthday this month. Enjoy cupcakes and ice cream while we celebrate our members!
Open to anyone 55+, no registration required. You do not need to have a birthday this month to participate!
