For Jami Mitchell, finding a job that enables her to give back to the community is crucial. So when the position for the manager of Orcas Senior Center came up, Mitchell jumped at the opportunity.

“I have not worked a lot with the senior population, so I was immediately attracted to serving a new demographic,” said Mitchell, shown at right.

The position arose after Jane Heisinger resigned this winter after nine years of working in different forms at the senior center.

“I am thrilled that Jami has the job,” said Heisinger. “I already see so much enthusiasm from her as well as her quick grasp of the job. I couldn’t be happier that she is my replacement.”

Mitchell is known best for her work over the last 12 years on the other side of the island at Doe Bay in a wide range of positions. For two years she served as general manager and coordinator of the popular Doe Bay Fest. Mitchell will continue running the festival.

Mitchell, who has two children – Tiemo, 2, and Leonai, 12 – said the senior services job came at the perfect time since Tiemo is now attending Children’s House. The job gives her a sense of meaning  and flexibility to be with her family, which includes her husband Fabrice.

“It is rewarding to have a job that makes a difference,” she said.

Her position includes coordinating room rentals, working with the county for management of the building and managing weekly activities like senior lunches and monthly events like high tea and potlucks. She will also be in charge of fundraising events like Granny’s Attic and the Holiday Festival.

Mithcell has been tasked with finding new ways to create funds for the center. She said that she can’t reveal any specifics at this point, but that people should keep their eyes and ears open for new events on the horizon.

Mitchell, who has been at the center for three weeks, describes the new environment as very welcoming by the seniors and staff.

“The seniors are so bright and have so many fascinating stories,” she said. “This group of seniors is so heart warming.”

Before working at the center, Mitchell attended events and volunteered at the center and always appreciated how lively the center felt.

“It’s inspiring to see the volunteers surrounding the center and how many contributions make it run,” she said.

If you are interested in volunteering at weekly lunches, high teas or just in general, contact Mitchell at orcasceniorcenter@gmail.com.

For more information about Orcas Senior Services, visit www.orcasseniors.org.