The Garden City Telegram
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Jensen named Senior Center director
Published 12/19/2009 in Local News
By RACHAEL GRAY
Barbara Jensen has been hired as the executive director at the Senior Center of Finney County.
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Laurie Sisk/Telegram Barbara Jensen sits in her office Friday afternoon at the Senior Center of Finney County.
The Finney County Committee on Aging hired Jensen Tuesday.
Jensen, business manager at the center, replaces Norma Nichols, who retired in October.
Nichols had worked at the Senior Center for 23 years and left to spend more time with family and revisit old hobbies.
Jensen has served as the business manager for more than 20 years.
Ruth Dunlap, chairman of the FCCA, said there really was not question about who they were going to hire, especially after Nichols recommended Jensen.
She said Jensen, who has been working as both interim executive director and as business manager, will make a good director.
"She's really outgoing. Everyone seems to really like Barbara," she said.
Nichols said Jensen would be the best for the job because of her experience and master's in agency counseling from Fort Hays State University.
Nichols, who has worked with Jensen for more than 20 years, said Jensen is in tune with the concerns of the elderly as their concerns change and as they age.
"I see her taking the reins, setting up the programming, working with the community, speaking out and being very knowledgeable about what's going on statewide, locally and nationally," Nichols said.
She said with the delicate budget situation across the state, and the Senior Center being affected by cuts, Jensen's experience in finance would be an asset.
"Barbara has a great ability to write grants, and we need someone with her experience and financial knowledge," Nichols said.
Jensen said she is looking forward to formally taking over the position and said she's excited about helping the customers at the Senior Center.
"As our society evolves, so do the needs of our customers, as they change and age," Jensen said.
She said she is ready to meet the changing needs and requirements of the elderly in Finney County.
Jensen said she isn't sure about plans to replace her business manager position. She said the personnel at the center would re-evaluate the job descriptions of the staff and hopefully hire a new bookkeeper this winter.
The Senior Center of Finney County offers events, education, classes, support groups, special services, crafts and recreation for senior citizens.
The Senior Center of Finney County, 907 N. 10th St., is funded by Finney County, Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging, Kansas Department of Aging, Kansas Department of Transportation, Finnup Foundation, Mary Jo Williams Charitable Trust, the city of Garden City, United Way and private donations from local businesses and supporters.
The center serves about 50 people a day for lunch.
The Senior Center's budget for 2010 is about $1,250,000, according to Jensen.
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