Senior Center

December 22, 2025 NOTICE  for Senior Nutrition Program/Dinner Bell

The Shelter Island Nutrition Program - which delivers meals to home bound seniors and which hosts in-person Congregate Meals on Mondays and Fridays at 12:00pm, will temporarily be operating out of the Shelter Island Heights Firehouse. 

The building is location is at 2 Prospect Avenue, Shelter Island Heights, NY 11964.

This change is expected to last until mid-March. 

Please call the Senior Center at (631) 749-1059 for additional information, or if you would like to request a ride to the congregate meal.

 A voluntary contribution is $4 per meal. All donations are used to expand the program. Sign-up is made in advance at a luncheon or by calling Emily Needham at  (631) 749-1059

Funding for this program is partially provided by NYSOFA, Suffolk County Office for the Aging, and the Town of Shelter Island.

Home Delivered Meals Program

This is a program available to frail, disabled, and homebound residents age 60 and older. Delivery of a hot, nutritionally balanced meal helps maintain health and well-being, as well as social contact, which offers vital support to the individual. The voluntary contribution is $4 per meal. All donations are used to expand the program. For information, please call Emily Needham at (631) 749-1059

Funding for this program is partially provided by NYSOFA, Suffolk County Office for the Aging, and the Town of Shelter Island. Assessment required to receive home delivered meals, please to call to inquire.

Shopping Assistance Program

Senior Groups

Shelter Island Office for Senior Services

Our senior center serves as a focal point for social, recreational, and educational programs for Shelter Island residents 60 years of age and older. We are located on Route 114 S Ferry Road on the lower level of the Medical Center. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am-4 pm. We provide information about available resources to senior citizens, family members, and caregivers. We provide a community gathering place that offers programs to help maximize independence and quality of life. We offer assistance with the following.

1. Planning for long-term care or retirement concerns
2. Hospice referral and coordination
3. Counseling on Medicare, Medicaid, and Supplementary Health Insurance
4. AARP 55 Alive Driver Safety Classes
5. Medical equipment borrowing program

Senior Programs

Silver Circle

The Silver Circle is a weekly social group for older adults, meeting every Wednesday from 10 am-2 pm. There is pick-up and drop-off transportation available. The morning starts with greetings, news, and a light snack. Activities throughout the games include bingo, yoga, and exercise, music and crafts, and celebrations of all kinds. They are fun and educational as well. Membership can begin at age 60. The cost is $10 per meeting. The Silver Circle meets at the SI. Senior Activity Center. Call Laurie Fanelli at 631-749-1059 for more information.

Telephone Reassurance Program

Daily phone calls are made to older adults who might live alone, be sick or homebound, or who might just benefit from a friendly conversation each day. This program currently runs every Monday through Saturday. Please call Laurie Fanelli at 749-1059 for information.

Senior Nutrition Program/Dinner Bell

This program serves up hot, nutritious meals and a fun social time for participants age 60 and older. We meet every Monday and Friday, at noon at the Fellowship Hall in the SI. Presbyterian Church. A voluntary contribution is $4 per meal. All donations are used to expand the program. Sign-up is made in advance at a luncheon or by calling Emily Needham at 749-0805 ext. 3. 

Funding for this program is partially provided by NYSOFA, Suffolk County Office for the Aging, and the Town of Shelter Island.

Home Delivered Meals Program

This is a program available to frail, disabled, and homebound residents age 60 and older. Delivery of a hot, nutritionally balanced meal helps maintain health and well-being, as well as social contact, which offers vital support to the individual. The voluntary contribution is $4 per meal. All donations are used to expand the program. For information, please call Emily Needham at 749-0805 ext. 3. 

Funding for this program is partially provided by NYSOFA, Suffolk County Office for the Aging, and the Town of Shelter Island. Assessment required to receive home delivered meals, please to call to inquire.

Home Maintenance/Repair Program 

(Formerly known as the Residential Repair Program)

Do you need a light bulb changed or a screen repaired? This program provides assistance to residents age 60 and over, with minor household repairs that do not require a licensed contractor. This program is for non-emergency tasks. There is no fee for the labor but the client is responsible for materials and supplies. No tipping is allowed. Voluntary contributions to the program are accepted and are used to expand the program. For information or to schedule work call Judy Meringer or Barbara Bloom at 749-0291, Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm.

Home Maintenance/Repair Program Guidelines (PDF).

Funding for this program is partially provided by NYSOFA, Suffolk County Office for the Aging, and the Town of Shelter Island.

Case Management

This county-sponsored program includes benefit and entitlement counseling, application assistance (Medicare, Medicaid, EPIC prescription program, HEAP-Home Energy Assistance Program, and other services. A senior advocate from the Suffolk County Office for the Aging is available by appointment. Please call Frank Masterson at 631-852-1420 for information and an appointment. 

Funding for this program is partially provided by NYSOFA, Suffolk County Office for the Aging, and the Town of Shelter Island.

Senior Transportation / AAA Transportation Programs

A program that provides free transportation to adults age 60 and older for medical appointments, food shopping, pharmacy needs, and other errands. (Medical appointments take priority) Rides are available for on-island and off-island needs and must be arranged in advance by calling the Shelter Island Senior Services Office. Call 631-749-1059 between 9 am and 4 pm. Funding for this program is partially provided by NYSOFA, Suffolk County Office for the Aging, and the Town of Shelter Island.

Handicapped Ramp Loan Program

This is a program that loans out a portable handicapped ramp to people in need of temporary handicapped access to their homes. The loan period is for 90 days. The ramp will be installed and removed free of charge by the Residential Repair Program mechanic. A contract and application for the loan of the ramp must be signed prior to installation. For more information call Barbara Bloom or Judy Meringer at 631-749-0291. 

Funding is partially provided by the Community Development Block Grand Funds.