The Helm Life Center

What The Helm Life Center does

The Helm Life Center (legally Services for Older Citizens, Inc., dba The Helm at the Boll Life Center) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1978 and headquartered at 158 Ridge Road, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. It operates as a community hub for older adults age 50+ and their caregivers across the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods, delivering a vertically integrated suite of programs and essential support services from two physical sites (the Boll House headquarters and the Wilson Day Center adult day program in Grosse Pointe City). Core service lines include Meals on Wheels (33,000 meals delivered to homebound seniors in 2025), PAATS multi-municipal bus transportation, the Wilson Day Center dementia care program ($79-$200/day), Medicare counseling via SHIP-trained counselors, exercise classes ($8/session), caregiver and bereavement support groups, lifelong learning classes, and a free medical escort service.

The organization's revenue model is hybrid: program fees from adult day care, exercise classes, and transportation rides; suggested donations for Meals on Wheels ($7/meal); individual and corporate donations (including tribute gifts, planned giving/Legacy Society, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, Donor Advised Funds, and Kroger Community Rewards); corporate and foundation grants; and proceeds from annual fundraising events (Annual Gala/Take The Helm, Sporting Clays Classic, Fore The Helm golf, March for Meals walk, and the Annual Holiday Appeal). In 2025, the March for Meals walk raised $26,000 against a $20,000 goal, and volunteer hours contributed an estimated $312,216 in community value. Marketing and outreach are community-led, relying on a quarterly newsletter (The Helm Life Journal), active social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), referrals from healthcare and senior living partners, and event-driven engagement.

The Helm is governed by a Board of Directors (President Carol A. Klenow, VP David DeBrunner, Treasurer Richard Lueders, Secretary Michele Jackson) and led by Executive Director Krista Siddall, supported by a Director-level team (Finance & Operations, Development, Marketing) and program coordinators across Meals on Wheels, volunteer services, case coordination, programs, and PAATS dispatch. The organization holds the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, was recognized by Crain's Detroit as one of Michigan's Best Places to Work in 2025, and is a member of Meals on Wheels America.

Name

The Helm Life Center

Legal name

Services for Older Citizens, Inc. dba The Helm at the Boll Life Center

Website

https://helmlife.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Helm Life Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1978 serving older adults age 50+ and caregivers across the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods, Michigan, delivering Meals on Wheels, adult day dementia care, transportation, Medicare counseling, exercise classes, and community programs from two physical sites.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Senior and Community Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Home Health Care Services (62161)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)

akta.pro primary industry

Community-Based Senior Centers with Adult Day Services (HLADAIAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Memory Care Adult Day Programs (Dementia/Alzheimer’s) (HSABANAC), Caregiver Support & Education Programs (Center-Based) (HSABANAN), Dementia & Alzheimer’s Respite Care (HSABAGAF), Behavioral Health & Cognitive Support Coordination (Dementia, Depression, SUD) (HSABAIAF), Senior Social Clubs & Community-Based Day Programs (Non-Clinical) (HSABANAK), Meals, Nutrition & Congregate Dining Day Programs (HSABANAM)

Keywords

• Senior services
• Adult day care
• Meals on wheels
• Community nonprofit
• Older adult programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Grosse Pointe Farms

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Program Fees: Fees charged for adult day program (Wilson Day Center at $79–$200/day) and exercise/fitness classes (~$8/session). These represent direct revenue from participants for specialized programs.
2. Individual Donations & Tribute Gifts: One-time and recurring donations from individuals in the community, including tribute gifts in honor or memory of loved ones. Processed online, by mail, or through qualified charitable distributions from IRAs.
3. Annual Fundraising Events: Revenue from major events including the Annual Gala (Take The Helm), Sporting Clays Classic, Fore The Helm golf outing, and March for Meals walk. Includes ticket sales, sponsorships, and auction proceeds.
4. Corporate & Foundation Grants: Grants and major gifts from foundations and corporate sponsors, including named sponsors for events (e.g., Henry Ford Health as Lead Sponsor for Fore The Helm).
5. Planned Giving / Legacy Society: Planned giving vehicles including wills/trusts, life insurance, retirement asset beneficiary designations, and stock gifts. Donors join The Helm Legacy Society.
6. PAATS Transportation Fees: Point Area Assisted Transportation Services (PAATS) charges $2–$4 each way for eligible residents (60+ and/or disabled) in Harper Woods and the Grosse Pointes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Helm at the Boll Life Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community center that provides programs and support services for older adults age 50+ in the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods, Michigan. Its core offerings include the Wilson Day Center adult day program for adults with cognitive decline and dementia ($79–$200/day), Meals on Wheels home meal delivery (33,000 meals delivered in 2025), PAATS bus transportation ($2–$4 each way), Medicare counseling, exercise classes ($8/session), lifelong learning, support groups, and caregiver respite services.

Product overview

The Helm at the Boll Life Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization operating as a single unified community center offering programs and services for older adults. The organization provides two primary service pillars: (1) Programs including exercise classes, lifelong learning, card and game activities, social events, and fitness room access, and (2) Essential Support Services including Meals on Wheels, transportation via PAATS, medical equipment lending, Medicare counseling, and caregiver support. A key program offering is the Wilson Day Center, an adult day program for adults 50+ with cognitive decline and dementia. The Helm also publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Helm Life Journal, to keep members informed. Services are primarily funded through donations, grants, and program fees, targeting older adults in the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods communities since 1978.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Wilson Day Center: An Adult Day Program designed to support older adults living with cognitive decline and various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's, while also providing meaningful support for caregivers.

Products and services

• Wilson Day Center (Adult Day Program) An adult day program for adults age 50 and older living with cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. Provides enrichment activities, social engagement, fitness and wellness programming, lunch and snacks, and caregiver support services. Day rate is $79 for residents of Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Woods, and Harper Woods, and $200 for Grosse Pointe Shores residents. Care hours Monday–Friday 10 AM to 4 PM at 648 St. Clair, Grosse Pointe City.
• Meals on Wheels Home Delivery

Quantifiable outcome

• 33,000 meals delivered to homebound seniors in 2025 (up 10,000 from five years prior)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Henry Ford Health System – Cottage HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Henry Ford Health System – Cottage provided use of its former nurses' quarters (Newberry House) to Services for Older Citizens (now The Helm) for a nominal annual rental fee in 2012. This enabled The Helm to move from a small space into a state-of-the-art facility. The John A. and Marlene L. Boll Foundation provided a major gift that funded the extensive reconstruction project, in combination with community donations. The partnership continues through event sponsorships (Henry Ford Health as Lead Sponsor of Fore The Helm golf event).
• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) / Detroit Area Agency on AgingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Helm has partnered with SHIP, supported by the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, to provide free Medicare counseling. SHIP-trained volunteers help seniors understand Medicare benefits, compare prescription drug and supplemental plans, and determine eligibility for low-income assistance programs ('Extra Help' and Medicare Savings Program). This is a core service offering.
• Harper Woods and the Five Grosse Pointe CitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPAATS (Pointe Area Assisted Transportation Services) is a partnership between The Helm, Harper Woods, and the five Grosse Pointe cities to provide bus transportation for residents 60+ and/or disabled. This multi-municipal partnership enables the operation of the PAATS bus service — a critical transportation lifeline for older adults who cannot drive.
• Henry Ford HealthflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerHenry Ford Health serves as Lead Sponsor for the Fore The Helm annual golf outing. This represents a significant GTM partnership for a flagship fundraising event. The relationship includes logo placement, sponsor recognition across event materials, and presence at the event.
• MedstarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedstar is the Lunch Sponsor for the Fore The Helm 2026 golf event.
• Corewell HealthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorewell Health is a Hole Sponsor for the Fore The Helm 2026 golf event.
• Kirlin-Healthcare-LightingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKirlin-Healthcare-Lighting is the Afterglow Sponsor for Fore The Helm 2026.
• Grosse Pointe NewsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGrosse Pointe News is a Hole Sponsor for Fore The Helm 2026.
• Kercheval GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKercheval Group is a Hole Sponsor for Fore The Helm 2026.
• Michigan Marine Terminal / The Cytacki FamilyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMichigan Marine Terminal / The Cytacki Family is the Beverage Sponsor for the Sporting Clays Classic 2026.
• Apex RecyclingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerApex Recycling is the Scorecard Sponsor for the Sporting Clays Classic 2026.
• Grosse Pointe Memorial ChurchflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerGrosse Pointe Memorial Church is the Partner Sponsor for the March for Meals 2025 fundraiser. This represents a significant community partner sponsor for one of The Helm's flagship annual events.
• Kroger Community RewardsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKroger's Community Rewards Program donates a portion of purchases to charitable organizations. The Helm participants can link their Kroger card to The Helm (Organization #AH673) to generate ongoing donations from grocery purchases.
• Gilda's Club Metro DetroitminorOthersGilda's Club Metro Detroit offers cancer support services including support groups, exercise classes, and healthy lifestyle activities. Listed as a resource on The Helm's 'News You Can Use' page for seniors needing cancer-related support.
• AARP Tax-AideminorOthersThe Helm partners with AARP Tax-Aide to offer free, quality, confidential tax preparation services to those with uncomplicated tax returns.
• TrualtaminorOthersTrualta is a caregiving training and resources platform referenced on The Helm's 'News You Can Use' page. The Helm directs caregivers to Trualta for free training and resources.
• American House Grosse Pointe CottageminorOthersAmerican House Grosse Pointe Cottage is a senior living community (independent living, assisted living, memory care) adjacent to premier medical services. Referenced in The Helm's 'In The Community' page as a community resource for housing options.
• Ford HouseminorOthersFord House is a historic estate and community venue in Grosse Pointe Shores. The Helm's 'In The Community' page links to Ford House events, suggesting a community partnership or cross-promotional relationship.
• Hospice of MichiganminorOthersHospice of Michigan hosts the 'Living On' grief support group at The Helm on the first and third Fridays of each month. This represents a programmatic co-hosting partnership.
• Henry Ford Health / Detroit Institute of OphthalmologyminorOthersHenry Ford Health's Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology facilitates the Low Vision Support Group at The Helm on the third Monday of each month. They also assist with transportation to meetings when possible.
• Carolyn Van Dorn / Nursing UnlimitedminorOthersCarolyn Van Dorn from Nursing Unlimited facilitates the Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group at The Helm. The Helm also coordinates respite care through Nursing Unlimited.
• The Rendezvous with TeaminorOthersThe Rendezvous with Tea, owned by Naszreen Gibson, facilitated the 'Steeped in Knowledge' Morning Mingle & Learn program at The Helm, exploring the health benefits of tea. Represents a community speaker/vendor relationship.
• Rickard and Associates, P.C.minorOthersAttorneys from Rickard and Associates, P.C. (Lori-Ann Rickard, Ronald Rickard, Lauren Gilpin) presented on 'Effective Estate Planning' at The Helm, covering estate planning basics and generational wealth building.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Active Day / Senior Helpers Adult Day Services: Active Day operates a national network of adult day health centers serving seniors with physical and cognitive challenges. Directly comparable to The Helm's Wilson Day Center in offering structured socialization, meals, and supervision for older adults.
• JASA (Jewish Association Serving the Aging): JASA is a large New York-based nonprofit delivering an integrated suite of senior services including adult day programs, meals, case management, caregiver support, and lifelong learning — closely mirroring The Helm's community-based, multi-service model for older adults.
• Meals on Wheels America (national network): The Helm is a member of the Meals on Wheels America network. Peer organizations such as local Meals on Wheels affiliates operate the same home-delivered meal and friendly-check-in model for homebound seniors that drives The Helm's core service delivery.
• Council on Aging (various local chapters): Local Councils on Aging across the U.S. operate congregate meal sites, transportation, in-home support, and senior centers similar to The Helm's community hub model, often funded through Older Americans Act and local government contracts.
• Cassena Care Adult Day Programs: Cassena Care operates adult day health programs in the New York metro area serving seniors with medical, cognitive, and social needs. Directly comparable to The Helm's Wilson Day Center in delivering structured day programming for older adults with cognitive decline.

Broad incumbents

• Brookdale Senior Living: Brookdale is the largest U.S. senior living operator offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and home health. Overlaps with The Helm in serving older adults across the care continuum but as a for-profit, multi-state operator rather than a community nonprofit.
• InnovAge Holding Corp. InnovAge is the largest U.S. provider of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which combines adult day services, in-home care, transportation, and clinical coordination for frail seniors — overlapping with The Helm's integrated service model but at national scale.
• American House Senior Living Communities: American House operates senior living communities (independent, assisted, memory care) including the Grosse Pointe Cottage referenced as a partner. Comparable as a regional senior services operator with memory-care capabilities adjacent to The Helm's service area.

Others

• Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services: Visiting Angels is a national network providing non-medical in-home care, companion services, and respite for older adults. Comparable to The Helm's caregiver respite and in-home support services, though delivered as private-pay home care rather than a community-center model.
• Tivity Health (SilverSneakers): Tivity Health operates SilverSneakers, the leading senior fitness program offered through Medicare Advantage plans. Comparable to The Helm's exercise-class and fitness room offerings as a senior-focused wellness provider.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@thehelmatthebolllifecenter5481
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheHelmLifeCenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-helm-life-center
• Instagraminstagram.com/thehelmlifecenter

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Helm Life Center