Celebrating Community: The Senior Educational Luncheons in Elizabeth

The concept for these luncheons grew out of the work of Marjorie Engle, a local real estate broker. Engle started a senior resources group after hosting estate planning classes, where she noticed many people struggled with selling homes and managing affairs after the loss of a loved one. Recognizing a greater need for support, she decided to expand her efforts, leading to the creation of Elbert County Senior Resources.

“Most of the people who attended my estate planning classes were seniors, and I realized they needed more than just estate planning assistance,” Engle shared. “I started reaching out to other companies to see if they could service Elbert County.”

Soon, Engle was reaching out to fire departments, health organizations, and more to ensure seniors had access to the resources they needed. Jennifer Maxwell, an end-of-life doula, joined her in this effort, bringing fresh ideas and helping solidify the partnership with the Town of Elizabeth. Together, they launched the Senior Educational Luncheons as a way to directly support and serve seniors in the area.

A Collaborative Effort to Meet Senior Needs

Maxwell emphasizes that the need for resources in the community is clear: “There are very few resources out here for seniors, and after meeting with local fire chiefs, police, and health officials, the consensus was clear—we needed to do more for our seniors.”

This community-driven effort to help seniors is further supported by the Town of Elizabeth, which provides space for the luncheons and helps spread the word through social media. Michelle Oeser, the town clerk, has been an instrumental part of the initiative, ensuring the success of these gatherings.

Looking Ahead

The Senior Educational Luncheons are expected to continue for the foreseeable future, offering seniors ongoing access to educational resources, health checks, and most importantly, a sense of community. As Maxwell explains, “My biggest goal is to make sure seniors in our community know that there are resources available to help them, and in many cases, it’s possible for them to age in place with the help of trusted resources.”

For more information about upcoming luncheons or to RSVP, seniors can visit Marjorie Engle’s Senior Resources page or contact Engle directly at 303-881-2707. The Town of Elizabeth also posts updates on Facebook and Instagram.

The effort to support seniors in the area has truly grown into a vital and collaborative community resource, and as the program continues, it will undoubtedly make a lasting impact for years to come.