Empowering and Serving Aging in the City of Jackson (Age 60 and Up)

The Senior Services Division is dedicated to promoting independence and enhancing the quality of life for older adults throughout the City of Jackson. Our multifaceted programs are designed to support and empower seniors through nutrition, transportation, employment, recreation, safety, and outreach services. All individuals aged 60 or older living within Jackson city limits may qualify for various services.

Through our services, seniors receive vital support while staying active, connected, and healthy. Whether attending social meals, receiving help navigating community resources, or gaining employment training, Senior Services is committed to honoring the dignity, wisdom, and contributions of Jackson’s elder population.

Contact: Connie Taylor, Ph.D Senior Services Division Manager at (601) 960-0412

Information and Referral (Outreach)

Outreach Workers act as community navigators for seniors, assessing individual needs through in-home visits and phone consultations. They assist in locating appropriate resources such as housing, benefits, healthcare, nutrition services, and social support. This service ensures that older adults and their families are not alone in navigating aging-related challenges.

Contact: Outreach Workers at (601) 960-0428 or (601) 960-0421

Nutrition Programs

Our Nutrition Program combats hunger and promotes well-being among Jackson’s seniors. We provide well-balanced meals designed to meet nutritional standards while fostering companionship and community connection. All meals comply with federal dietary guidelines and are planned with input from registered dietitians.

Congregate Meal Sites

Our Congregate Meal Program provides more than a meal. These meals are served in welcoming community spaces that double as activity hubs for socialization, health education, wellness programs, and recreational fun. Activities include:

● Games, puzzles, and cognitive activities to support brain health

● Bingo and card tournaments

● Health screenings and fitness classes

● Community birthday celebrations

● Guest speaker series

● Arts and crafts workshops

● Nutrition education sessions

● Movie days, dancing, and cultural observances

Contact: Nutrition Program Supervisor at (601) 960-0326

Participating Sites:

Johnnie Champion Community Center

1355 Hattiesburg Street, Jackson, MS 39209

(601) 960-1918

T. L. Love Senior Center

2912 Holmes Avenue, Jackson, MS 39213

(601) 960-2160

Tougaloo Community Center

318 Vine Street, Tougaloo, MS 39174

(601) 960-2841

Westside Senior Center

1444 Wiggins Road, Jackson, MS 39209

(601) 922-8203

Smith Robertson Community Center (Activity Center)

505 John Hart Street, Jackson, MS 39202

(601) 960-2167

Sykes Park Community Center (Temporarily Closed)

520 Sykes Road, Jackson, MS 39212

(601) 960-2161

Home Delivered Meals

This essential service delivers nutritious meals directly to the homes of homebound seniors and those with chronic illness or mobility limitations. In addition to addressing hunger and nutrition, delivery personnel serve as a critical point of human interaction and safety monitoring. Services are extended to:

● Seniors aged 60+ who are homebound

● Spouses of eligible seniors

● Individuals under 60 with a disability who reside with a qualifying participant ● Disabled individuals of any age living with a qualifying homebound individual

Delivery occurs on weekdays and includes nutrition education and wellness materials. All meals meet one-third of the RDAs.

Pay-As-You-Go Meal Program

Through the Area Agency on Aging, seniors can purchase monthly frozen meals tailored to dietary needs and preferences. This flexible meal service helps fill gaps for those needing nutritional support without full homebound status.

Contact: Home Delivered Meals Coordinator at (601) 960-0421

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

SCSEP is a transformative job training program for residents aged 55 and over. Operated in partnership with the Center for Workforce Inclusion (CWI Works Inc.) and funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, SCSEP offers income-qualified participants paid, part-time training placements in community-based and government agencies.

Eligibility Requirements:

● Age 55 or older

● Resident of Hinds, Rankin, Warren, or Scott County

● Meet low-income guidelines

What Job Seekers Receive:

● Community service training assignments

● Stipend (at or above minimum wage)

● Job skills workshops and coaching

● Digital and professional development training

SCSEP Host Agencies: Host agencies provide the worksite, supervision, and skill development needed for participants to succeed. Assignments are typically up to 20 hours per week and may last up to 48 months.

Contact: Project Supervisor at (601) 960-0419

Senior Transportation Services

Our curb-to-curb transportation service provides safe, reliable access for seniors to vital destinations including medical appointments, pharmacies, senior centers, grocery stores, and nutrition sites. All vehicles are ADA-accessible, and our friendly drivers are specially trained in senior support, fall prevention, and emergency preparedness.

Service Highlights:

● Medical appointments

● Prescription pickups

● Grocery store run

● Congregate meal site drop-offs and nutrition program access

● Group social outings and wellness events

Trips must be scheduled in advance. Availability may vary based on demand and service area.

Contact: Outreach Coordinator at (601) 960-0428 or (601) 960-042