For Aimee Schallenkamp, Executive Director of the Maria Reiner Center, seeing the smiling faces when she walks into work every morning is what propels her throughout the day.
The center, located at 705 E. 4th Street in Hobart, is a social environment that provides activities for seniors, promoting healthy and full lifestyles.
“It’s so much different than any other senior center I have seen… It’s an active center for people over 55 years of age,” Schallenkamp said. “Where they can come, enjoy friends and companionship and keep their bodies and minds active. There is a slogan we have on a t-shirt: ‘Live Life to the fullest.’ They do that here every day.”
Schallenkamp describes the center as a second family to the members and the staff.
“I’m so lucky,” Schallenkamp said. “I don’t have my grandparents anymore, and the seniors here really took me under their wing when I started. They’re a genuine joy to work with.”
Schallenkamp graduated from Purdue University Calumet in 1996 with a degree in communications, specializing in public relations. After six years of working as a community service representative at Home Instead Senior Care based out of Merrillville, Schallenkamp knew that working with seniors was her passion. When she heard there was a job opening at the Maria Reiner Center, she jumped at the chance to join their team.
“I loved the senior center when I first walked in,” she said. “When the past director was retiring, I knew it was meant to be.”
As the director for a year so far, Schallenkamp has formed strong bonds with her coworkers and the members, alike.
“The members are amazing,” Schallenkamp said. “They have the most interesting stories and are always willing to help each other, or volunteer their time for something at the center.”
There are about 800 to 900 current members; Schallenkamp’s job is to make sure they’re enjoying themselves and always have activities to look forward to.
“When I walk into the Center, I am always greeted by friendly faces playing a card game or working on a puzzle,” she said. “I always want to make sure everyone feels comfortable, so I like to walk around the center and check out who is there. I also ask the members what else they would like to do. I'm constantly looking for new educational and fitness programs to bring in for our seniors.”
One of the unique activities, Pickle Ball, is a mix between ping-pong and tennis that the seniors play on the center’s courts. They also host Zumba classes, Tai-Chi, yoga, stretching, aerobics and have a fitness room. Games like cards, dominoes, board games, puzzles, movies and more make for fun social time for the members once they’ve gotten their fitness fix.
Beyond that, Schallenkamp said they’re always looking for more special programs and events, bringing in speakers that talk about senior-relevant topics like health.
During her limited free time, Schallenkamp enjoys watching her two twin daughters, Lindsey and Morgan, play softball, volleyball, track and basketball, along with spending time with her husband, Bob Schallenkamp.
Schallenkamp has been a Region resident her whole life, growing up in the Whiting/Robertsdale area, and eventually moving to Hobart.
“My family is here,” she said. “We have a lot of friends, and there's so much to do. We always support the Hobart events such as the Summer Market and love that new restaurants are coming to Hobart on Main Street. There is a lot to do in Hobart. I also love the restaurant Café 339.”
She also loves the sense of community, in which she said the City of Hobart has been a great home to the Maria Reiner Center.
“All of our instructors and programs come from volunteers,” she said. “The community really comes out and supports us.”
For more information on the Maria Reiner Center, visit their location at 705 E. 4th Street Hobart, IN 46342, give them a call at (219) 947-1864 or check out their website at www.hobartseniors.com