Prime Life Enrichment outlines senior services, transportation pilots and membership changes

Sloane Thompson, who marked her six-month anniversary as executive director of Prime Life Enrichment, briefed the commission on the center's programs supporting residents 50 and older.

Thompson said Prime Life operates a 20,000-square-foot wellness center near the Palladium that offers more than 50 clubs and activities, fitness classes, a transportation program for essential services, and on-site hot lunches (three days a week) and sack lunches. The center partners with Sequoia and 2nd Helpings for meals and also distributes donated produce boxes and community-donated items.

"We are turning 50 next year," Thompson said, describing a long-standing local presence and a range of services including transportation to grocery stores and an on-demand rides program for medical appointments. She explained that transportation is scheduled daily and that the organization has no waiting list for its transportation program, but that some pilots are being proposed for dedicated grocery routes to support federal grant readiness.

Thompson said Prime Life plans a membership price increase effective Aug. 1 (basic/enhanced membership rising from $20/$40 to $25/$50) and acknowledged staffing shortages — the center is down roughly five staff positions from a few years ago and relies heavily on volunteers. She requested commission support and noted a Hamilton County grant application that includes pilots for three small dedicated routes in Carmel to improve grocery access for seniors.

The commission thanked Thompson and discussed opportunities to connect the center with county resources, volunteers and potential partners to sustain and expand services.