Senior Living
The Best Kept Secret in Cobb County
Cobb Senior Services celebrates 50 years of serving those 55 and older.
Cobb Senior Services has scheduled a number of trips throughout Georgia in the past, including whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River.
By Lindsay Field Penticuff
M
ovie days, Spanish classes, cooking lessons, transportation to and from doctor appointments, line dancing, on-site gyms and wood carving are just a few of the many, many offerings from Cobb Senior Services. “Research shows that learning new things and doing a lot of activities helps as you’re aging,” says Jatunn Gibson, PhD, agency director of Public Services, which includes the Cobb County Department of Senior Services. “We try to be really mindful of where our seniors are, what they are asking for and how we can provide that for them.” This year marks 50 years since Cobb Senior Services was started. Initiated by a grant in 1972 and originally named the Marietta Cobb Community Service Center, it was created to unite senior citizens of Cobb County by providing a forum for communication, recognition of outstanding senior leaders, and a common meeting
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place. Five decades later, the program offers seven senior center locations throughout Cobb and an abundance of services, including information and referral, case management, transportation, in-home services, home-delivered meals, volunteer services, community health education, and a Veteran’s connection. There are three nutrition sites in Austell, Marietta, and North Cobb. For Kathy Lathem, strategic partnership manager with Cobb Senior Services, the department is the “best kept secret in Cobb County.” In fact, she was so passionate about it, she left a career in radio 17 years ago to join the team after learning all about what Cobb Senior Services does to better serve the 55-plus community in Cobb. “I’m out all day, every day talking to groups and individuals about what we offer for the 55-plus community, but we are also here to help children who are helping mom and dad navigate aging,” Lathem says. “Our main goal is to help people age in place
and avoid going to assisted living as long as possible.” Oftentimes, Lathem hears that family members aren’t sure where to turn to until there is a crisis. Bringing awareness to the community before that time helps so many in need, and that’s why her messaging, and sharing the recent 50th anniversary celebration, has become so important. “Most people think that because they aren’t a senior, they don’t need our services,” she says. “But when the time comes and they need to make decisions for themselves, a loved one or someone who lives in their neighborhood, then they have that seed planted in their mind and they know that Cobb County has an organization that can help with that. …The more I am out there, the more Cobb Senior Services is visible in the community, and the more people realize that when there’s a need, there’s a place to turn.” Lathem goes on to say that Cobb Senior
