(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — In a quiet building tucked away in Thousand Oaks, lives are being changed every day—by music, by conversation, by legal advice, and by the sense that no one is aging alone.
At the March 10 Simi Valley City Council meeting, the nonprofit Senior Concerns was recognized for its 50 years of service to seniors and family caregivers across Ventura County, including many right here in Simi Valley.
The City Council issued an honorary resolution commending the organization for “enhancing the health, well-being, and quality of life” for thousands of older adults each year. Founded in 1975, Senior Concerns is a community-based nonprofit that has grown into a vital support system for aging individuals and their families—especially those facing complex health, financial, or caregiving challenges.
“We love serving seniors and family caregivers,” said Andrea Gallagher, President of Senior Concerns, accepting the resolution. “It’s what drives us.”
What makes Senior Concerns stand out isn’t just the breadth of its services—it’s how personal those services are.
At its Adult Day Center, seniors with cognitive or physical impairments take part in engaging, structured programs that include music therapy, art, brain games, and light physical activity. The goal? Keep minds active, spirits lifted, and families supported.
Its Caregiver Support Center is equally critical. Local residents caring for aging parents or partners can access support groups, educational workshops, one-on-one consultations, and respite care options. In a time when more Americans are serving as unpaid caregivers, this kind of emotional and logistical support is invaluable.
Need help navigating Medicare, housing questions, or confusing benefits paperwork? Senior Concerns’ advocates and pro bono professionals provide trusted guidance—helping seniors avoid scams, stay independent, and understand their rights.
The organization regularly partners with the Simi Valley Senior Center, where it hosts educational seminars and connects residents to tailored resources. Deputy Community Services Director Anna Medina, who presented the resolution, called Senior Concerns’ local impact “remarkable,” noting that they serve more than 13,000 individuals annually throughout the region.
Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh thanked the organization for its long-standing partnership and congratulated them on a sold-out gala celebrating the 50-year milestone.
“You do a wonderful job,” she said. “We really appreciate everything you do at our Senior Center as well as throughout the county.”
Simi Valley is home to a sizable and growing senior population. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, 16.8% of residents—more than 21,000 people—were age 65 or older. As the community continues to age, the need for accessible, supportive services like those offered by Senior Concerns will only become more pressing.
Beyond its core programs, the organization invites broader community involvement through events like the Love Run and the Ultimate Dining Experience—fundraisers that raise both awareness and support for local seniors.
After 50 years, Senior Concerns isn’t slowing down—it’s scaling up. With Ventura County’s older adult population projected to grow significantly in the next decade, the organization’s steady, compassionate presence is more critical than ever.
For more information about programs, services, or ways to get involved, visit www.seniorconcerns.org.
