Take A look at our ongoing programs!
There’s a lot, so take your time and keep scrolling!
Wise Guys Conversation Group
Mondays – 9 – 10 a.m.
Have a cup of coffee and kick back with new and longtime friends. Talk about “guy things” while sharing experiences and information.
Canasta
Mondays – Noon – 4 p.m.
We offer a room for those who know how to play canasta to bring your group here to The Helm. It’s convenient and the coffee is always on. If you have a group, think about having it at The Helm. If you don’t have a group, but know how to play, sign up to sub for one of our existing groups. Groups must bring their own playing and score cards.
Texas Hold 'Em Poker
Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
First and Third Fridays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
This poker variation is described as a “thinking man’s game.” It is popular, fun and competitive. The objective is to win everyone else’s game chips. Register for a free lesson and then join the weekly tournament.
Knitting for Charity
Tuesdays – 1 – 3 p.m.
Enjoy knitting? Join this group that knits scarves, small lap blankets, shawls, caps and the like for local residents touched by cancer.
Pinochle Club
Tuesdays – 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
All are welcome! The focus is on the four-player, 48-card game (three players is doable) and we will match people according to their experience. If you’re new to the game, not to worry, we’re here to teach you.
Crafting for Charity
Wednesdays – 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Create easy and fun fleece blankets and other crafts for people in need. Supplies provided. No sewing necessary.
Mahjong Club
Wednesdays – 1 – 4 p.m.
If you know how to play the American version of this ancient game, come join the fun!
Bingo & Treats
$2 for one card and refreshments; additional cards 25 cents each.
Ping-Pong Group
Fridays – 3 – 5 p.m.
Ping-Pong stimulates the brain, improves reaction time, increases hand-eye coordination and it’s fun! Register on your own or bring friends. Two tables are available.
Games at The Helm
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays – 10 am – 4 pm
Tuesdays, Thursdays – 10 am – 7 pm
There’s even more to do at The Helm with the addition of a pool table, dart board and air hockey table. Come by yourself or bring friends. The pool table is full sized, the darts are plastic and other games like Jenga and corn hole are available, too.
Electronic Device Tutoring
First and Third Fridays of each month
Noon – 3 p.m.
Need help with your laptop, tablet, smartphone or
e-reader? Get one-on-one assistance from knowledgeable and patient volunteers. Call 313.649.2107 to schedule an appointment.
Guitar for Beginners
Thursdays – 4 – 5:30 pm
Semester runs January 22 – May 7
INSTRUCTOR: Stuart Benbow
WCCCD Continuing Education Class
FOR WAYNE COUNTY RESIDENTS 60 OR OLDER.
Grab your acoustic or electric guitar. Participants will learn how to read notes, play basic strums and arpeggios and scale technique.
Conversational French
BEGINNER LEVEL
Tuesdays – 9:30 – 11 am
Semester runs January 20 – May 5 or
Fridays – Noon – 1:30 pm
Semester runs January 23 – May 8
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Tuesdays – 11 am – 12:30 pm
Semester runs January 20 – May 5 or
Fridays – 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Semester runs January 23 – May 8
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Dib Saab
WCCCD Continuing Education Class
OPEN TO WAYNE COUNTY RESIDENTS 60 AND OLDER.
Learn how to ask and respond appropriately to basic
questions, read aloud using acceptable pronunciation,
and create basic sentences using correct grammar.
Sing Your Way to Health and Happiness
Mondays – 2 – 4 p.m.
Semester runs January 26 – May 4
INSTRUCTOR: Anita Green
WCCCD Continuing Education Class
FOR WAYNE COUNTY RESIDENTS 60 OR OLDER.
Singing is incredibly therapeutic for what may ail you! Participants will learn basic techniques to enhance the quality of your vocals. All levels of ability are welcome to this judgment free zone. Participants also will learn the basics of reading music as well as perform favorite tunes in groups and for solo performances.
Ballroom Dancing
Wednesdays – 4 – 5 pm
Semester January 21 – May 6
INSTRUCTOR: Andreas Browne
WCCCD Continuing Education Class
FOR WAYNE COUNTY RESIDENTS 60 OR OLDER.
This program is designed to teach participants basic steps of ballroom dancing. Participants also will learn hand and foot coordination, posture, basic turns and spins.
Living On
First and Third Fridays of the month
10 – 11 am
Hosted by Hospice of Michigan
The focus of the Living On support group is to express feelings and experiences related to the loss of a loved one in a supportive, caring, and nonjudgmental environment. Grief and loss topics are addressed as they arise, depending on the interests of those attending the group. All are welcome.
Young Onset Parkinson's Support Group
Second Tuesday of every month
4:00 – 5:30 pm
FACILITATOR: Angela Ferrera
A compassionate, informative and interactive meeting offering encouragement and motivation to active individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers.
Low Vision Support Group
Third Monday of each month, 10 – 11:30 am
FACILITATOR: Henry Ford Health Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology
This support group provides a comfortable environment to discuss the challenges of living fully with visual impairment. When possible, Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology can assist in providing transportation to the meetings. (Call Ashley at 313.936.1969 for more information.) Occasionally, the group takes day trips and attends parties. All of this is made possible by the fundraising of the Friends of Vision and grants.
Blood Pressure Screening
Third Thursday of every month
9 – 10:15 am
FACILITATOR: Mary Jo Fresard, Sunrise Senior Living
High blood pressure is a silent killer that shows no symptoms but can cause serious health problems if left untreated. We offer free screening to help you monitor your health.
Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group
Third Thursday of every month, 5 – 6:30 pm
FACILITATOR: Carolyn Van Dorn, Nursing Unlimited
We offer a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of individuals with dementia to meet and develop a support system. Respite care during the meeting is provided by Sunrise Senior Living on Vernier. To reserve respite care, contact Mary Jo at 313.642.2000.
Share for Dementia
By Appointment Only
CARE CONSULTANTS: LaTonya Connally and Deb Sloss
This evidence-based care planning and counseling assistance program is for persons living with early-stage dementia and their caregiver. It helps make what can be an overwhelming and stressful situation more manageable. Participants work with a SHARE counselor to identify sources of support and build a realistic plan of care for their family. After five to six sessions, participants will have the tools needed to move forward confidently. Call 313.882.9600 to schedule an appointment.
Exercise at The Helm
Exercise classes at The Helm are geared toward adults 60 and older. The environment is warm, welcoming and noncompetitive. Everyone works at their own pace. Some classes are more physically challenging than others. Some classes have a charge; others do not. Let our staff help you find the right class for you!
Chair Yoga
Mondays – 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Instructor – Carol Guither
Wednesdays – 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Instructor – Darlene Lovelace
Fridays – 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Instructor – Jessica Kodanko
$ 8 per class
This yoga practice uses a chair to assist with positions and poses. You can warm up your body and safely perform yoga poses with more support and stability and still receive the benefits of traditional yoga. Chair yoga is suitable for all fitness levels.
Tai Chi
Beginner Class
Thursdays – 9 – 10 a.m.
Instructor – Susan Smith
$8 per class
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese discipline designed to enhance body, mind, and spirit, and leave you feeling refreshed through slow, methodical movements. You’ll gain better muscle tone, improve joint flexibility and balance, and increase circulation. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Intermediate Class
Tuesdays – 9 – 10 a.m.
Instructor – Susan Smith
For those with previous tai chi experience.
Strength & Balance
Tuesdays and Thursdays
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
$ 8 per class
Instructor – Erika Page
Improve hand-eye coordination, balance, and movement while building and maintaining core, arm, and leg strength
Active Fit
Mondays and Wednesdays
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
$ 8 per class
Instructor: Stacey Panduren
This upbeat, fun class incorporates cardio, strength, flexibility and balance exercises for the more active adult.
Yoga
Mondays – 9 – 10 a.m.
Instructor – Carol Guither
Wednesdays – 9 – 10 a.m.
Instructor – Carol Guither
Fridays – 9 – 10 a.m.
Instructor – Jessica Kodanko
$8 per class
This hour-long journey is a great start to your day. Yoga moves, combined with breathing techniques, promote strength, endurance, stability, mobility and flexibility, improve posture and relieve stress. Bring a yoga mat.
Body Alignment
Mondays or Thursdays – 1 – 2 p.m.
Wayne County Community College District Class
No charge for Wayne County residents 60 and above.
This class runs on the college semester schedule.
Instructor: Gwendolyn J. Scales
This class focuses on how the head, shoulders, spine, hips, knees, and ankles relate and line up with each other. Proper alignment puts less stress on the spine and helps you have good posture. Good posture promotes balance, flexibility, and optimal range of motion. Wear loose-fitting clothes and bring a water bottle, mat, and small hand towel to class
Awesome Abs
Mondays or Thursdays – 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Wayne County Community College District Class
No charge for Wayne County residents 60 and above.
This class runs on the college semester schedule.
Instructor: Gwendolyn J. Scales
Exercise in this class will help tighten abdominal muscles, strengthen your core and help with balance. Wear loose-fitting clothes and bring a water bottle.
Enhance Fitness
Mondays and Wednesdays
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Instructor: Paul Clark
or
Tuesdays and Thursdays
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Instructor – Rosa Hunter
There is no charge for this class for Wayne County residents.
This evidence-based group exercise and fall prevention program helps older adults at all levels of fitness become more active, energized, and empowered. Exercises focus on strength training, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular conditioning to keep your body and brain active!
Guided Meditation
Thursdays – 1 – 2 p.m.
$8 per class
Instructor – Jonathan Itchon
This weekly guided meditation class offers you the tools to still the mind, quiet the emotions, and live with less stress and more joy. Open to all levels, this seated meditation practice is simple, effective and improves health in body, mind and spirit. Experience the benefits of a consistent meditation practice.
Stay updated on our programs!
Our calendar and The Helm Life Journal will keep you up to date on what’s happening, now and in the future. Please download The Helm Life Journal or view the calendar to see what’s happening at the Helm.
Or Call us at 313.882.9600
Stay Informed
Stay in the loop! Receive news and updates on our programs and activities via email. Receive The Helm Life Journal directly to your inbox. (Print copies are available at The Helm and various community businesses.)