Steuben County Council on Aging has been privileged to welcome Audiences Unlimited (AUI) performers through a special grant from the Olive B. Cole Foundation. These performances have quickly become a cherished tradition, bringing music, arts, and a renewed sense of community to its members. Here, Jami Stout, Steuben County Council on Aging Executive Director, shares her perspective on the partnership’s success:

Our mission is to keep seniors active, engaged, and independent, and these performances align beautifully with that goal. The impact goes beyond entertainment—our members feel included, valued, and connected. It’s an experience that brings anticipation and gives them something to share with their families. In many ways, these performances are a reminder to all of us that age should never be a barrier to joy and creativity.

The response from our members has been overwhelmingly positive. After every performance, we hear the same sentiment: That was fantastic. We love that. We need to do this again. The performers don’t just play music; they engage, converse, and create meaningful moments with our seniors. Whether it’s 20 or 60 attendees—numbers that fluctuate based on the season—the energy in our grand dining room is always uplifting.

These performances offer purpose, social interaction, and mental stimulation. It’s hard to put into words the gratitude we feel for those who share their time and talent with us. I just lost my mom, who lived in Kansas, and I hated that she didn’t have a program like this. It would have given her a reason to get out of her jammies and enjoy her day. The moments AUI performers create are priceless, leaving a lasting impact on our seniors and their families.

Thank you, Audiences Unlimited, for bringing the power of music and the arts to our seniors. Your generosity is truly making a difference.