Intercultural Senior Center

Many seniors in our community, in particular immigrant and refugee seniors, have physical and mental health, education, emotional, and legal needs that go unmet. They are isolated by poverty, language and cultural barriers, and few transportation options. ISC actively welcomes Our mission is to improve the dignity, quality of life, and physical well-being of seniors from around the world through advocacy, education, access to social services, and cultural enrichment activities that benefit the entire community. We envision an Omaha that values the wisdom and experience of our diverse elders and creates opportunities for them to embrace and enhance their community. seniors from around the world with culturally appropriate, high-quality services, and programs. The Intercultural Senior Center was founded in 2009 by Carolina Padilla with the goal of welcoming diverse older adults to learn, grow, and laugh together. ISC initially served mainly Latinx seniors. In 2013, the center started welcoming refugee older adults from Sudan, Somalia, Bhutan, Nepal, and Burma (Karen population), as well as native English speakers. In 2019, ISC moved to its current location at 5545 Center Street, starting a new journey of multicultural learning and understanding. With bilingual staff members and interpreters and door-to-door transportation by van, ISC ensures everyone can fully participate in its programs regardless of language ability, income, or physical mobility. Today, ISC serves older adults from more than 32 countries speaking 25 languages, including English. As the center’s participant population has become more diverse, ISC staff has grown to include five staff interpreters to ensure participants can maximize the benefits and enjoyment gleaned from its services and programs. Currently, staff members are fluent in Spanish, English, Nepali, Karen, Karenni, Burmese, Swahili, Pashto, Dari, and Ukrainian.