Member Spotlight
Summit 60
We recently sat down with Community Outreach Manager, Jenn Nelson, to learn more about Defiance County Senior Services & Summit 60 Social Center which provide a variety of services and programs including nutrition, transportation and education.
At their welcoming facilities, they offer supportive services, events, trips and other great activities. Take some time to read our interview below and see what all Defiance County Senior Services & Summit 60 Social Center has to offer. For more details, visit their website or feel free to give them a call at (419) 782-3233!
Jenn Nelson
Community Outreach Manager
419-769-8046
jnelson@defiancecounty.oh.gov
50 years of service
Summit 60
We offer so many things to the seniors in our community.
We offer transport to things like doctor’s appointments. We also try to do an outing once a week, like going to Shipshewana Indiana or the Cherry Festival.
We also offer the Meals-On-Wheels program that is currently serving 300 seniors in Defiance County daily. We have seven drivers and seven routes deliverng hot and ready meals we prepare the same morning.
What sets Summit 60 apart from others in the industry?
We receive all of our funding from the area office of aging, levies and donations. Also, our seniors are not required to pay for anything, like food or transportation.
Who is Summit 60’s ideal customer?
Our ideal customer is anyone age 60+.
What’s something people might not know about Summit 60?
Summit 60 is not a nursing home, it’s a social center. Our community seniors come here to socialize and have fun! We offer everyday things like card games and puzzles, with snacks and coffee for when they get hungry. We changed our name from Defiance County Senior Services to Summit 60 so people don’t think it’s a nursing home.
Community & Culture
What do you love most about being part of this community?
I love being a part of the Hicksville community. I grew up here and I love that this community is like a family. I know when my children are out in our town, they will be safe.
How does your business give back or get involved locally?
We give back to our community by giving the seniors in all of Defiance Country meals, transportation and a place to socialize.
Personal Point of View
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is spending time with these seniors and watching them get all excited to go on adventures and do fun activities with each other.
Can you share a memorable moment or success story?
The best part of this job is watching seniors who walk through our doors who are lonely and quiet and watch them turning into happy, talkative people by the time they leave. It’s so rewarding.
Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in your business journey?
My biggest influence was watching my Grandma Pierman walk through these doors and thrive.
Future Focus
What’s next for Summit 60? Any exciting plans or new offerings?
We are building a new building where the old nursing home was. We hope to be open 5 days a week instead of 2 days a week here.
Where do you see Summit 60 in the next 5 years? And how can seniors best support Summit 60 right now?
They can support us by stopping by our building. Businesses can help us by encouraging their senior customers to stop by and check us out!
Fun & Light
What’s your go-to coffee order or favorite lunch spot?
I think a blended Purple Rain from Amanda Lee’s is the best drink.
If your business had a theme song, what would it be?
“We Are Family” by Sister Sledge. We chose this because the seniors always say that we are family.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
Enjoy every moment with the seniors because time is limited. Always be patient with them and listen to the wisdom that they have to share; they’ve been through so much and have so much experience.
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
Proverbs 3:5-6 “[5]Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Visit Us
708 East High Street, Hicksville, OH 43526
Phone: (419) 769-8046
Monday & Thursday
Available by Appointment: Tuesday-Wednesday, and Friday-Sunday
Transportation to Defiance Available by Request
Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM