The growing need in the community for access to the department prompted the building of the new Human Services facility in 2006. It’s located just next to the Community Center and provides a central location for seniors and other individuals in need of special assistance in Brecksville. 

Exercise classes are held in the warm water therapy pool and exercise equipment has been placed in the water. When the pool isn’t used for scheduled programs, open sessions mean that anyone can take a much-needed dip. All you need is a form signed by a physician indicating that you are able to tolerate the high humidity and temperature in the pool area.

Brecksville is a card and game playing town. That’s why the Human Services Center features Bridge for all levels of players including a session in the evening. There’s Canasta and a host of other games including Dominoes, Texas Hold ‘Em poker and Mah Jongg. 

The Thursday mid-day luncheon is one of the most popular events at the center. For just $5, senior residents may enjoy a full-course meal served on china. When lunch is finished, many people watch a newly released DVD before heading home. Once a month, Mayor Hruby even hosts a classic movie. On Tuesdays from 9:00 to 10:30 there is a fabulous brunch for residents of all ages. Many enjoy their food in the beautiful courtyard, complete with a fountain and tables with umbrellas.

One of the most notable offerings at the Human Services Center is the transportation program for which the City of Brecksville was awarded the 2008 Best Service award by the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging. Volunteer drivers staff three cars, a minivan and a 14-passenger bus that takes residents ages 60 and over to places like doctors appointments, grocery shopping and the mall. The service is available to wheelchair-use residents of any age as well. All that is asked is a modest contribution toward gas for the vehicles.

Upstairs, yoga classes, arm chair exercise classes and free Tai Chi classes are held for older adults several times each week.

Senior residents who need extra care can benefit from the reassurance calls made by volunteer staffers seven days a week. Sometimes it’s the only daily contact a person will have with a friendly voice. In fact, the program has been credited with saving an elderly person’s life when he failed to answer a call. 

Of course, the Human Services Department is available to any resident in need. The Brecksville Pantry provides food once a month to anyone who financially qualifies. The service is confidential — even the volunteers don’t know the names of participants. There is no excuse for any resident of Brecksville to go hungry. Food is available.

The Human Services schedule of events changes every two months. Copies are available at the Human Services Center which is located at 2 Community Drive. The phone number is 526-2499.