FAST FIVE Hayden Senior Center's Lisa Martin: Devoted to caring for others

Meet Lisa Martin, the executive director of the Hayden Senior Center.

Lisa has spent her adult life serving others. This began with raising four amazing boys with an incredible husband. She has served in various church ministries, private and public education as well as caregiving.

A firm belief of Lisa's: "Joy comes from being able to contribute to an individual or community in a way that makes a positive impact."

1) How are things going right now in the search for a new home for the Hayden Senior Center?

We are in the beginning phase of a capital building campaign. The Hayden Senior Center is the only senior center around that does not have or own its own building (it currently operates out of the Coeur d'Alene Shrine Club Event Center at 1250 W. Lancaster Road). We have a talented team that has really come together with their mission of finding a permanent building where we can operate the center. As community awareness increases, we believe that our vision and longstanding service to this area will touch the hearts of donors. It is our hope to have the support of several local trade companies to bring this undertaking to completion. It is also our hope that this will become a real grassroots community project that will continue to support the growing senior community.

2) Why did you get involved with the center to begin with?

I was newly widowed, and after completing my education, I needed to enter a full-time career. I love and value the senior community and it ended up being the perfect fit for me. 

3) Why is a common gathering space such an important thing for our seniors?

Three of the top five challenges for the aging community are financial security, health issues and social isolation. COVID really showed us how detrimental isolation can be to seniors. By providing ongoing social activities, healthy meals and a variety of fitness classes, the Hayden Senior Center can help combat these challenges many seniors face. Seeing this building project through to its completion will provide sustainable longevity in the service to the seniors of this community.

4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I have no idea. I give 100% to whatever I commit to and I'm pretty much, a "what you see is what you get" kind of gal. Not many surprises in that.

5) What upcoming events, fundraisers or other Hayden Senior Center activities would you like our community to know about?

We have four Bingo and Brews fundraisers that we would love to grow. The next two are today and Nov. 8. We will also be having our second annual Miles for Smiles Car Cruise and Show on Sept. 6. You can call the center at 208-762-7052 for more information.