Almost 200 older adults dressed in their finest arrived at the Renaissance Ball Room in Little Havana in Miami, Florida, June 6. The crowd was there to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the WellMed Charitable Foundation’s Little Havana Senior Center.

Greeted by elegant table settings, the guests were treated to a three-course lunch of salad, chicken, moros (a Cuban dish of black beans and rice), plantains, and for dessert, flan, a creamy custard topped with caramel.

WCF Executive Director Carol Zernial and Laura Cisneros, vice president senior center operations, welcomed everyone, and then the dancing began.

The celebration was really a gathering of friends, many who met 10 years ago at Little Havana. They’ve shared lunches, exercised together and learned new skills in a variety of classes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they received curb-side food packages and, when it became available, COVID vaccinations. They have thrived in the atmosphere of support from each other and the center.

Some members found the senior center through word of mouth, others from outreach campaigns such as an offer of free haircuts. Many were recommended by their health care provider.

Member Bertha Avello, 92, was referred by her physician. Attending daily early on, Avello met her husband at the center a few years ago. When he died, her friends and the staff surrounded her with support.

“They treat us with so much love,” Avello said. “I will never forget, Rebeca (Rebeca Capogreco, regional manager senior center operations) and MariaTeresa (MariaTeresa Villamayor, center supervisor) took the time to drive an hour from Miami to be with us at his memorial service.”

For Tomas Mata, 78, it’s all about the fellowship. 

“We have a family here, we don’t feel alone,” Mata said. “We share with people of the same age and interests, and we have the loving attention of the employees.”

Amparo Batista, 83, agrees. “My favorite activity here is to talk to people,” he said.

Often mentioned is the bond between the members and staff.

Haydee Dalmaced, 73, who is a daily visitor to the center, said, “Here, the employees treat us with love. We feel pampered, cared for, like family.” Dalmaced realizes that loneliness is a problem for many older adults and feels the senior center can help ease that.

Little Havana is one of 14 senior centers across Texas and Florida, and the first of three the WCF opened in Florida. 

The very first WCF senior activity center was opened in 2008 in San Antonio, Texas, by Dr. George Rapier, III. Dr. Rapier is the founder and CEO of WellMed Medical Management, Inc. and chairman of the board of the WCF.

A primary care physician for mostly older adults, Dr. Rapier realized that good health care isn’t just about office visits, but also about making sure patients have transportation, enough food to eat and companionship. He also knew that providing a place for older adults to socialize, play games, exercise and take classes could make a difference to their overall health. All senior centers are free for people 60 and older and their caregivers.

As member Randy Cooper, 70, said, “I would recommend the senior center for the classes, the friends, the coffee and the pastelitos. And we have hot lunch!”