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 seniors from around the world with culturally appropriate, high-quality services, and programs.
Mission Statement
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.
Vision Statement
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.
Our Values
At the Intercultural Senior Center, our values guide how we serve participants, collaborate with colleagues, engage volunteers, and strengthen our community. They shape our culture, inform our decisions, and reflect the experience we strive to create in every interaction-one rooted in dignity, inclusion, compassion, connection, and integrity.
- Dignity
We honor the worth, voice, and independence of every person, treating one another with respect, professionalism, and care. - Inclusion
We create a welcoming environment where all cultures, identities, and experiences are embraced and celebrated, fostering a true sense of belonging. - Compassion
We lead with empathy and kindness, meeting each person where they are and responding with understanding and care. - Connection
We build meaningful relationships that foster trust, belonging, and community—reducing isolation and strengthening connections across cultures, generations, and our team. - Integrity
We act with honesty, accountability, and transparency, upholding the highest standards in all that we do.
History
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, Pashto, Dari, and Ukrainian.