A small group of visionary citizens of the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods formed “Seniors Onward for Change” (SOC). Those founders envisioned a “one-stop shop” that would help residents remain in their own homes with dignity and independence. A few years later the name was updated to “Services for Older Citizens.”

Henry Ford Health System – Cottage provided use of its former nurses quarters  to Services for Older Citizens for a nominal annual rental fee. SOC then embarked on an extensive reconstruction project, made possible by a major gift from the John A. and Marlene L. Boll Foundation and generous donations from hundreds of community residents, turning the building into a state-of-the-art center for senior activities and community.

Services for Older Citizens moved into the newly named John A. and Marlene L. Boll House, where it is still headquartered today.

Services for Older Citizens renamed The Helm at the Boll Life Center. It’s a place constantly in motion, with resources, classes, and activities for all.

Today, The Helm bustles with exercise classes, lifelong learning programs, cards and games and resources that make it easier (and more fun!) to grow older in the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods.