Chelsea Senior Center Focuses on Well-Being

Written by Sharon Kegerreis, Chelsea Senior Center staff

When Katie Garvey, CSC’s Respite Care Coordinator, was appointed Wellness Ambassador, she used 5 Healthy Towns’ tools and resources to survey CSC’s 11 staff members about their individual healthy habits and interests for improving overall health. Garvey, focusing on what staff identified as areas of interest, enrolled the CSC team in a hydration challenge to increase water intake during the workday.

The whole team participated.

Next, Garvey planned a summertime gathering that combined healthy eating and fitness at a colleague’s home. The CSC team gathered to enjoy a farm-fresh salad potluck and share from-scratch healthy salad dressings. The camaraderie in the kitchen was followed by a friendly match of badminton and strolls around the flower gardens.

“I had not played badminton since I was a kid,” said Jan Scarbrough, CSC’s Bookkeeper, whose muscle recall immediately fired up.

As the leader of the wellness initiative, Garvey has enjoyed seeing her colleagues in a new light. “The well-being activities are designed to encourage everyone to establish new routines and take a fresh approach to creating healthy habits,” she says.

In December 2024, CSC was recognized for its efforts. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) awarded CSC a Bronze Award for its holistic workplace program. The MDHHS Michigan Healthy Worksite Award recognizes employers who utilize Designing Healthy Environments at Work (DHEW) tools and actively invest in well-being programs designed to improve the health of their workforce.

The renewed focus on well-being continues in 2025. In January, the CSC team participated in Trinity Health’s Mental Health First Aid, a three-part training program that also earned them continuing education credits.

The team learned how to apply non-verbal and verbal language when assisting others in a mental health crisis. They were educated on resources and techniques to engage with others to support well-being and recognize early signs of distress.

Next up? The Chelsea Senior Center team wants to stay moving and build camaraderie in healthy ways. “Bowling, a nature walk and pickleball are a few suggestions. No matter what we decide, there is a spirit of fun and competition, and the spring weather presents new opportunities,” said Garvey.