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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen the director decided to retire, Gilliam naturally stepped into the position, driven to bring the seniors closer together. She recognized the pandemic\u2019s negative impact on the community, leaving many seniors feeling isolated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI could see the impact COVID had made on the community, and I knew our seniors needed fellowship,\u201d she explained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leading with both her heart and a clear vision, Gilliam sought to increase the center\u2019s membership by introducing new activities that catered to diverse interests. However, she also understood that change wasn\u2019t always easy. \u201cSome adjustments were tough for a few members, but we listened and worked through the challenges together,\u201d she said, crediting the open communication and strong relationships she built with the seniors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gilliam and her team have taken many memorable trips, from the busy streets of New Orleans to the scenic beauty of Biltmore and Key West, bringing them connection, laughter, and discovery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWord sure does get around,\u201d Gilliam said as news of the center\u2019s fun-filled activities spread, attracting more seniors eager to join the tight-knit community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under her leadership, the center\u2019s calendar is packed with dances, lunches, and themed \u201cfun days\u201d for quirky holidays like National Toilet Paper Day and National Roadkill Day, which have become beloved traditions among members. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe really try to make this place special,\u201d Gilliam added proudly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But Gilliam is quick to acknowledge that none of this would be possible without her dedicated team. With the help of Assistant Director Diane Stoker, Activity Coordinator Tammy Smith, and many volunteers, the center is well known for its warmth and care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of Gilliam\u2019s proudest accomplishments was the center\u2019s partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, organized with the help of Senior Advocates Ed and Rondalynn Gill. Together, they provided a members-only food drive, ensuring seniors in the community were well-fed despite rising grocery costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are so proud to have been able to help our members this way,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking to the future, Gilliam sees even more significant growth for the center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs much as we do here, there will always be seniors in our community that still need help, and my goal is to continue to connect with as many people as I can and provide the support they need.\u201d GN <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" On a crisp autumn morning in 2021, Robin Gilliam found herself walking into the Franklin County Senior Center, not as a director, but as a temporary fill-in for the meals-on-wheels program. The stability of daily routines, the joy of seniors playing cards, and the friendly chatter over cups of coffee were all part of a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":23500,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23498","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/franklin-county\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/12\/1-4-1024x683.png\")
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