WHO WE ARE

St. Martin de Porres Senior Services provides supportive services and resources to people of all faiths and nationalities aged 60 and older, especially those who are needy.  The program encourages seniors throughout the Diocese to retain their independence and use their talents and experiences through participation in center based as well as community and parish based programs. These programs are planned to recognize the dignity of the individual and allow each person to reach his or her fullest potential.

St. Martin’s programs are led by a small permanent staff teamed with an extensive corps of dedicated volunteers. 

 

WHAT WE DO

St. Martin de Porres Senior Center is a multipurpose program providing a variety of services to prevent isolation of seniors and promote their wellness, happiness, and independence.

At the Center, we provide congregate meals and a wide variety of health, exercise, social, recreational, educational, and entertainment activities, as well as field trips.

Beyond the Center, we serve as a focal point for information and referral to services throughout our Diocesan parishes and the community.

Congregate meals:

Nutritious breakfasts and lunches are served daily.  A suggested donation of at least $1.75 for each meal is welcome.

                

 

Transportation:

The Alexandria Office on Aging and Adult Services provides door to door bus transportation for seniors who live in the West End of Alexandria.  A suggested donation of 50 cents per round trip is welcome.

Weekly shopping trips to local markets are also available for a suggested donation of $1.00 per round trip.

 

Health & Wellness, Recreational, and Educational Activities:

Zumba, strength and balance, and other exercise classes or videos are provided daily.  Health screenings and information presentations are done with the help of volunteer physicians and nurses.  Our services are often team efforts with the local community.

                

 

Educational and recreational activities include English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, computer skills training, community presentations, reminiscence and discussion groups, games, professional entertainers, movies, and holiday parties.

                                 

 

Field trips are provided to museums, parks, theaters, entertainment centers, restaurants, and other places of interest to our seniors.

                

 

Interdenominational as well as Catholic prayer opportunities are provided.

Information and Referral:

Our staff assists Center participants and reaches outward to answer the needs of seniors throughout the diocese regarding services provided by other agencies in the areas of physical and mental health, home care and long-term care management, consultation, transportation, housing, financial and legal matters, employment, and social services.  We coordinate with Diocesan parishes to support seniors with services and programs.

Several links to external agencies and services are provided at the bottom of this web page.

 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

There is no fee to participate in the Center activities or to receive information and referral assistance.

A person must be 60 years of age or older and independent.

A State of Virginia intake form must be completed.  Bring your ID and we’ll help you to fill out this form.

 

HOURS OF OPERATION

Center is open: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM

 

DIRECTIONS TO CENTER

St. Martin's is located at 4650 Taney Avenue, Alexandria. Take Seminary Road to North Jordan and then make a right onto Taney Avenue. Or take Duke Street to North Jordan and then make a left onto Taney Avenue. The center is across the street from Patrick Henry Elementary School.

Accesible via Metro Bus Route 25B.

CONTACTS

Center phones:  703-751-2766;  fax 703-212-7306

Director:  Gracie Ortiz, MSW, LCSW gortiz@ccda.net
Program Manager: Lindsay Sanford, M.S. Ed. lsanford@ccda.net

 

VOLUNTEERS

• Receptionists: St. Martin de Porres is looking for a smiling face and friendly phone voice to staff our reception desk any day of the week from 8 a.m. to 1:30pm, lovingly greet our seniors each morning and assist them with signing in, making reservations, and getting name tags. Contact Lindsay Sanford at 703-751-2766 or lsanford@ccda.net
• Acitivities Assistant Do you like being with seniors and having fun?! We are looking for a volunteer to help with activities any day of the week from 10:00am to 1:30pm. Days and hours flexible.
• Certified Exercise Instructors Calling all workout enthusiasts to the center! We are looking for paid staff and volunteers to teach exercise classes in your field of expertise. Come work out with us!
• ESL Instructors Teach English to immigrant seniors and help them more fully integrate into our society. Second language not required. Free training provided. Come volunteer for one hour per week or more.

 

SPONSORS

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington operates St. Martin’s with the help of the City of Alexandria, the Federal Older Americans Act, America's Charities, private donations, and participant donations.

USEFUL LINKS

• Arlington Diocese and links to parishes
• Catholic Charities main website
• Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance:  703-548-4227
• City of Alexandria Agency on Aging:   703-746-5700
• Arlington County Agency on Aging:  703-228-1700
• Fairfax County Agency on Aging:  703-324-5411
  Legal Services of Northern Virginia:  703-778-6800
• Alexandria Senior Taxi:  703-836-4414
• Alexandria DOT Transportation:  703-746-4079
• Alexandria Meals-On-Wheels:  703-836-4414
• A variety of useful information for seniors:  www.seniornavigator.com