Members of the Life Enrichment Center at Oyster Bay enjoyed an outing to a beautiful manor tucked neatly away in Syosset … and got nose-to-nose with horses. A visit to the Christian Fellowship House introduced center members and staff to Florence Steffens, the family matriarch who, along with her husband Rev. Paul, opened the adult home as a “Bed and Breakfast” for seniors in 1962. Their daughter Pam and her husband Steve, along with their daughters Michelle and Sharon, continue to manage the facility. Members enjoyed refreshments on the veranda while they overlooked Fellowship Ranch’s retired mares grazing in the peaceful green pasture just beyond the stately manor.
Members learned of a new program being offered at the Fellowship Ranch which centers on interacting with horses. Holistic Healing With Horses founder Ileen Kessler, LCSW-R, explained the therapeutic benefits the program provides. The success of the holistic program was quickly demonstrated when members experienced hands-on interactions with the Fellowship Ranch horses.
The Life Enrichment Center at Oyster Bay has provided senior citizens with comprehensive social services, nutritious lunches, transportation, wellness and fitness classes and entertaining activities five days a week, 250 days a year for 37 years. An Adult Day Care program the center offers addresses the needs of the frail and memory impaired. Additionally, evening fitness and social activities are offered for residents 45 and over. The center’s board and staff strive to continue expanding its services with support from the community.
For a detailed schedule of the center’s daily programs, upcoming special events or to learn more about services call 516-922-1770, email info@lifeenrichmentcenteroysterbay.org or visit www.lifeenrichmentcenteroysterbay.org. The center’s lunch program and a portion of the transportation services are funded by Nassau County Office for the Aging, NYS Office for the Aging, U.S. Administration on Aging, and the Town of Oyster Bay. However, the center relies heavily upon support from the community for all other programs and services.
