Salvation Army in Columbus launching new program for senior citizens

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - The Salvation Army in Columbus is launching a new program for senior citizens in the area.

The facility held an open house Tuesday for the program that’s expected to kick off in April. The Joy Program will allow people 55 and older to participate in creating crafts, light exercise, walking, weekly devotionals, and fellowship with others in their age range.

Citizens were able to tour the facility, meet the staff, and enjoy coffee and refreshments Tuesday.

“I mean you have COVID going on right now and a lot of our older people have not been out of their houses in a year,” said Ahkeisha Patterson, community center director at the Salvation Army. “They have not been anywhere. They’ve been getting things brought to them, but they haven’t been actually out. So, we decided to open up as a clean place for them to come, like I said, so they won’t have to be outside in the elements. They are not going to be close to a lot of people. We have plenty of room for social distancing and it allows them to have something to call their own.”

The program will take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 5201 Warm Springs Road in Columbus.

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