Senior Services

About

St. Francis Senior Services is a cornerstone of support and community for older adults and their caregivers in Southern Ocean County. As part of the St. Francis Community Center, we are dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors by providing essential services, promoting health and well-being, fostering independence, and creating opportunities for meaningful connections.

With two convenient locations—Long Beach Island and Berkeley Township—we ensure accessibility for seniors throughout the region. Our programs are tailored to empower individuals 60 years and older, as well as their caregivers, by addressing their unique needs and improving their overall quality of life.

At St. Francis Senior Services, our mission is to empower older adults and their caregivers by improving access to essential resources, promoting healthy aging, fostering independence, and advocating for their well-being.

Our Services

At St. Francis Senior Services, we provide a wide range of programs and resources, including:

  • We provide outreach & evaluations for homebound seniors to receive Meals on Wheels, who are unable to prepare food for themselves and have no one else to do so.

    • How It Works: An Outreach Worker will visit each applicant to assess their eligibility and specific needs.

    • Cost: There is no charge for this service, but voluntary contributions are welcome and greatly appreciated.

    For more information, call 609-494-8861.

  • The State Health Insurance Program (S.H.I.P.) offers guidance to seniors navigating Medicare and private insurance plans.

    • What We Provide:

      • Assistance understanding coverage, payments, and benefits.

      • Expert help from trained volunteers and staff.

    • Appointments: Call in advance to schedule an appointment at 609-494-8861.

  • Our trained Outreach Workers provide personalized support to seniors to determine their needs and connect them with available benefits and services.

    • In-Home Visits: Outreach Workers can visit seniors in their homes to conduct eligibility screenings for programs such as:

      • PAAD (Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged & Disabled)

      • Lifeline Utility Assistance

      • Other state and local assistance programs.

    • How to Access: Call 609-494-8861, ext. 108 or 109 for more information or to refer a friend or neighbor.

  • Stay active, healthy, and engaged with our variety of fitness and socialization activities:

    Fitness Programs

    • Walking Program: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM in the Gym.

    • Healthy Bones: Call to register.

    • Chair Yoga: Mondays & Thursdays, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM.

    Social & Recreational Activities

    • ·       Canasta: Mondays, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

      ·       Mahjong: Tuesdays & Fridays, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

      ·       Pinochle: Wednesdays, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

      ·       Bridge: Call for more information.

      ·       Mind Bogglers: Games & Cards 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

      ·       Do you have an idea of a new program you would like to see offered?  We are looking for your input, please contact Linda Falb.

    For registration or more details, contact our Senior Services Department at 609-494-8861.

  • The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) provides critical resources for caregivers, established by the Older Americans Act to support families caring for loved ones.

    Available Services:

    • Information & Assistance: Helping caregivers understand and access available resources.

    • Supportive Services: Guidance to alleviate the stress and challenges of caregiving.

    For more information, call 609-494-8861.

Property Tax Relief for Seniors and Social Security Disability Recipients

We are pleased to introduce New Jersey’s Property Tax Relief Application for Seniors and Social Security Disability Recipients.

For the first time, New Jersey residents can apply for three major property tax relief programs using one simple application (Form PAS-1). This streamlined form is available to seniors, homeowners, mobile home owners, and individuals receiving federal Social Security Disability benefits.

Through this single application, eligible residents may be considered for:

  • Property Tax Reimbursement (Senior Freeze)

  • Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR)

  • Stay NJ

This one-stop application replaces the previous Senior Freeze forms (PTR-1 and PTR-2) and separate ANCHOR applications. Applicants are no longer required to file multiple forms. The State will determine eligibility and calculate any benefits for which you qualify.

If you previously received benefits from Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, or both, please note that there are important updates to the application process. Program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and income limits may change from year to year.

For the most current information, assistance with filing, or questions, please call for updates.

NEED HELP OR MORE INFORMATION?

Contact:
Lauren Serrano,
Director of Senior Services
609-494-8861 ext. 300

Can’t make it to the office? We’ll come to you!

  • House Calls: Assistance with applying for benefits or services.

  • Notary Services: Available for seniors.

  • Medicare Counseling (S.H.I.P.): Expert help understanding your options.

  • Caregiver Support: Resources and tools to help family caregivers.

609-494-8861
ext. 300

Who We Serve:

Our programs are open to:

  • Anyone 60 years & older

  • Caregivers of seniors

We provide resources and activities tailored to the unique needs of seniors, ensuring a sense of community, independence, and overall well-being.

SENIOR SERVICES AT ST. FRANCIS COMMUNITY CENTER

SENIOR SERVICES AT ST. FRANCIS COMMUNITY CENTER

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s

  • No. Programs are free, though donations are encouraged to support ongoing services.

  • Yes! We provide house calls to help you apply for benefits and services.

  • Healthy Bones, Walking, and Chair Yoga classes are available. A waiver and physician’s consent are required.

  • Contact Linda Falb to learn more about volunteer opportunities, including delivering Meals on Wheels.

Get Involved

  • How to Register: Call or visit our office to learn more and complete required paperwork.

  • Cost: All programs are free of charge. Donations are encouraged to help us continue running and growing these services. No one is denied service for inability to contribute.

  • Fitness Program Requirements: Participants must sign a waiver and provide a physician’s consent form.

CALL US

Volunteer Opportunities

Join our team to make a difference!

  • Help restart our Meals on Wheels program to alleviate wait times and bring support to those in need.

  • To volunteer, contact us at 609-494-8861 ext. 300.

Meet the Team

  • Lauren Sofia-Serrano

    Director

  • Missy Miller

    Outreach Supervisor

  • Lisa Dupnak

    Outreach & Information Staff

  • Mayra Wire

    Outreach & Information Staff

  • Cheryl Mulrean

    Outreach & Information Staff

  • Judy Bohan

    Outreach & Information Staff

  • Adrienne Bird

    Outreach & Information Staff

Contact Us

Phone: 609-494-8861 ext. 300

Our team is committed to helping seniors age with dignity and live vibrant, independent lives. Whether you need help with meals, insurance guidance, fitness programs, or caregiver support, we are here to assist every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Call 609-494-8861 ext. 300, or visit us at St. Francis Community Center to learn how we can support you or a loved one.

CALL US

St. Francis Senior Services Is Funded By: A grant from the Ocean County Office of Senior Services with Title III Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended through a grant from the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services; Ocean County; Local Municipal Contributions and St. Francis Community Center. A Senior Advisory Committee, made up of elected and appointed members, meets once a month to inform and advise on the implementation of the Senior Program objectives. Meetings are announced in the Senior Center. The meetings are open to all interested persons.

Non Discrimination Policy
If this information is needed in another language, please contact
(609) 494-8861 ext. 108.
THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is landmark federal legislation that opens up services and employment opportunities to the millions of Americans with disabilities. The ADA affects access to employment; state and local government programs and services; transportation, and access to places of public accommodation such as businesses, non-profit service providers; and telecommunications.
Long Beach Island Community Center, Inc. ADA COMMITMENT AND COMPLIANCE
Long Beach Island Community Center, Inc. is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis on their disability as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Long Beach Island Community Center, Inc. management, and all supervisors and employees share direct responsibility for carrying out Long Beach Island Community Center, Inc. commitment to the ADA. Long Beach Island Community Center, Inc., Wendy Saunders, Executive Director ensures accountability in this commitment, and supports all parts of the organization in meeting their respective ADA obligations. Wendy Saunders, Executive Director coordinates internally with all appropriate offices in the investigation of complaints of discrimination, and takes a lead role in responding to requests for information about Long Beach Island Community Center, Inc. civil rights obligations and operations.
ADA Complaints
If you wish to file an ADA complaint of discrimination with Long Beach Island
Community Center, Inc. please contact Long Beach Island Community Center, Inc.
via 609-494-8861 or 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach Township, N.J. 08008
or use our online form (if applicable).