At the Gary & Mary West Senior Dental Center I met many wonderful people that benefit from the services offered at this non-profit organization. As mentioned before, most elders that receive services at this facility are low-income. In order to satisfy the unmet needs of everyone that visits this site, the organization provides case management services, breakfast and lunch options, exercise sessions, computer lab access, etc. Oftentimes, elders usually come for the food in their first visit, and then discover there are other services that the facility provides.
When I heard that Gary & Mary West Senior Dental Center was once a car dealership, I could not believe it! Just imaging that cars used to be sold in this building, and now elders can obtain their dental care services at this location, truly amazes me. Perhaps the main reason I’m so amazed is because in countries that favor consumerism, like the United States, it’s much easier to find for-profit organizations that focus on increasing profits and not on helping the greater good, when it is so clear that residents in the area are struggling to meet their basic needs.
Based on my observation, I think the Gary & Mary West Senior Dental Center is doing a great job in meeting these basic needs, especially if you take into account the center’s limited budget. However, if only money were not an issue, I do think it would be nice if the center could expand and create more ample room for everyone. Personally, I felt the hallways, the multipurpose room, and the exercise room were too small to accommodate everyone at the facility. I also thought the food portions were really small. Nonetheless, I’m very grateful that organizations like the Gary & Mary West Senior Dental Center exist, because they truly make a positive difference in the mental, physical, and social well-being of most low-income seniors in the area. :)
When I heard that Gary & Mary West Senior Dental Center was once a car dealership, I could not believe it! Just imaging that cars used to be sold in this building, and now elders can obtain their dental care services at this location, truly amazes me. Perhaps the main reason I’m so amazed is because in countries that favor consumerism, like the United States, it’s much easier to find for-profit organizations that focus on increasing profits and not on helping the greater good, when it is so clear that residents in the area are struggling to meet their basic needs.
Based on my observation, I think the Gary & Mary West Senior Dental Center is doing a great job in meeting these basic needs, especially if you take into account the center’s limited budget. However, if only money were not an issue, I do think it would be nice if the center could expand and create more ample room for everyone. Personally, I felt the hallways, the multipurpose room, and the exercise room were too small to accommodate everyone at the facility. I also thought the food portions were really small. Nonetheless, I’m very grateful that organizations like the Gary & Mary West Senior Dental Center exist, because they truly make a positive difference in the mental, physical, and social well-being of most low-income seniors in the area. :)