Senior Community Centers

Fall 2008 Newsletter

Leading Forward
A Message From Board Chair, Kate Engler

Passionately helping seniors not only survive, but thrive…“nothing else should be acceptable,” says Kate Engler, Board Chair at Senior Community Centers.  Having taken care of her own aging family members, Kate realizes how difficult it is to be a senior these days even for those living within comfortable income brackets. That is why our mission to provide quality and compassionate services for the survival, health and independence of seniors living in poverty is so close to her heart. 

When Kate joined the Board of Directors in 2003, SCC had just opened its first affordable housing project, now known as Potiker Family Senior Residence.  Since then, she has become increasing involved with the agency. Kate says, “I’m so proud of the care that our dedicated and talented staff provides--from nutritious meals to the wide range of health care services and programs, to advocacy at the national level. I was honored to be asked to chair this board.”

Kate, who is the San Diego Operations Manager for AMEC Earth and Environmental, brings with her a wealth of community experience and business acumen. She has previously served as a volunteer for such organizations as Polinsky Children’s Center, Rady Children’s Hospital, the Birch Aquarium, and the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. A LEAD San Diego graduate, Kate has also served on the boards of many worthy organizations, including the San Diego Oceans Foundation, REINS (Riding Emphasizing Individual Needs and Strengths), and Habitat Rentals.  In addition to her many philanthropic activities, Kate also finds time to pursue such interests as music, art history, and gardening.

While there are many commendable non-profits in San Diego, Kate rates Senior Community Centers as the best! What makes our organization unique, she notes, “is the caliber and longevity of our staff. That longevity has led to strong relationships with the County’s Office of Aging and Independence Services; foundations and other benefactors dedicated to improving health care and the lives of our seniors; and a broad range of talented past and current board members.” As she leads SCC into the new fiscal year, Kate says, “[The board] sees the impact we make in the community and it is very gratifying to assist in raising awareness of the important issues our seniors face…We need to ensure the longevity of Senior Community Centers into the future.”