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| Last updated on July 9, 2008 |
Bykota is not only the acronym that represents Be Ye Kind One To Another, but also the spirit that embodies the Bykota membership. The membership and staff of the Bykota Senior Center, invite you to visit the center to learn of the many ways you can expand your world and enrich your life through fellowship, exercise, lifelong learning opportunities, volunteerism, and much more. Bykota has an extensive A-Z selection of courses, programs and services provided by an award-recognized agency, the Baltimore County Department of Aging. Bykota Senior Center is one of 19 nationally accredited senior centers in Baltimore County meeting the standards of the National Institute of Senior Centers.
The mission of the center and the Baltimore County Department of Aging is to develop and administer programs and activities that support Baltimore County senior citizens in their efforts to remain healthy, active, and independent members of the community and to provide, coordinate, and advocate for services which ensure the highest quality of life for both active and health-impaired seniors, their families, and caregivers.
Further, the department is committed to providing service to a wide constituency in accordance with various federal, state, and local guidelines. Any individual who has been denied service based on specific guidelines has the right of appeal. All appeals should be discussed with the local Department of Aging staff representative
Description:
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Programs are provided for the most active seniors as well as frail seniors. Opportunities for physical well- being and mental stimulation are an integral part of the planning at Bykota. The Bykota Senior Center offers over sixty courses each week. The objective is to provide mental, physical and recreational activities for those with varied levels of physical and mental abilities. Courses and programs are offered through a variety of sources that include: volunteers, independent contractors and community college instructors.
Programs offered include:
· Arts and Crafts: ceramics, knitting, crocheting, woodcarving, woodworking, sewing, handcrafts, pottery, stained glass.
· Blood pressure screenings, variety of health education and screening programs, flu shots.
· Liberal Arts: oil painting, pastels, watercolor, current events discussion group, French, Spanish, German language courses and computers, reminisce, life discussion group and opera.
· Physical Activities: line dancing, square dancing, ballroom dancing, basketball, softball, tennis, walking, tai chi, water aquatics, senior rhythms (adaptive exercise program) aerobics, strength building and a brand new senior friendly fitness center.
· Social Interaction: bingo, card games, chess, billiards, dances, trips, sing-a-longs.
· A large variety of consumer education programs are offered, such as MTA Photo ID, Medicare updates, Defensive Driving refresher course, to name a few.
CENTER CONNECTION
The program provides services to individuals who have a condition that limits some activities; needs support and encouragement to participate in activities; or may be new to the area. Individual program schedules are developed taking into account the participant's interests and abilities.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
This service provides assistance in avoiding premature or inappropriate institutionalization for frail, homebound elderly persons 60 years of age and older. Caseworkers visit the home for evaluation, assistance, crisis intervention and referrals. They help identify community resources and assist in accessing them.
COUNTYRIDE
CountyRide is a specialized transportation program providing service to Baltimore County residents 60 years of age and over, disabled residents age 21 - 59, and those living in the rural area. Destinations include medical appointments, shopping, and other general purpose trips. There is a small fee for each one-way trip.
EATING TOGETHER PROGRAM
This program serves nutritionally sound meals, daily at noon. These meals are available to anyone 60 years of age and older and to the spouses of eligible persons. Participants contribute anonymously toward the cost of the meals offered at the center. Participants under the age of 60 must pay the full cost of the meal $3.76
EMPLOYMENT
Seniors seeking full or part-time employment may browse through the Employment Book that is located at the information table on the first floor.
HOME TEAM
This is an in-home volunteer service for people over age 60 who need assistance to remain independent in their homes. Eligible clients are assigned to a volunteer who provides one or more of the following services: friendly telephone visits, escort trips and shopping assistance, chores/maintenance, light housekeeping or correspondence assistance.
INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE
In cooperation with AARP, trained volunteers provide seniors with assistance in preparing their tax returns February - April.
History:
Bykota Senior Center was established in 1962 in the Towson Fire Hall and has relocated several times until 1983, when it was moved to its present location, formerly the site of Towson High School. Located in the northern section of Baltimore County, Bykota serves older adults in the Rodgers Forge, Loch Raven, Lutherville, Glen Dale, Riderwood, Stoneleigh, Anneslie, and Ruxton areas.
Contact people:
Office fax number: (410) 887-8281
Address:
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611 Central Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/aging/centers/bykota.html
Directions:
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Take the Baltimore Beltway I-695 Exit 26 South, which is York Road, to Bosley Avenue. Make a right on Bosley Avenue to the third traffic light, which is Allegheny Avenue. Make a right on Allegheny Avenue to Central Avenue.. . . (more) |
Miscellaneous Information
| Does this agency accept court appointed volunteers? |
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No
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