NISC Programs of Excellence 

• Year Awarded: 2026
• Programs of Excellence Name: Bloom, Blush & Bravo
• Hosting Organization: Westlake Community Services, 

About Bloom, Blush & Bravo: 

Bloom, Brush & Bravo is a hospitality-centered strategy designed to engage, enrich, and empower adults 50+ by transforming everyday space into an experience of beauty, connection, and belonging.

"Rather than creating another structured “program,” we intentionally infused our existing café
and atrium/hallway space with rotating art, live music, and surprise floral offerings to cultivate an atmosphere that invites people to linger," said Westlake Community Services Director Lydia Gadd. "Each month, we feature local artists on a dedicated gallery wall in our circulation hallway. The exhibits change regularly, giving patrons something new to anticipate and providing visibility for community creatives."

The program also features volunteer musicians playing the center's donated baby grand piano during select café hours, adding warmth and energy to the space.

"Through a partnership with Trader Joe's, we receive flowers and plants that would otherwise be discarded due to incoming shipments," Gadd said. "These are displayed on a flower cart and offered free to patrons—an unexpected gesture that consistently delights guests.

"This strategy addresses a persistent challenge for senior centers: engaging older adults who do not see themselves as “joiners.” We found that individuals who self-identify as lonely are often those who quietly spend time in our café. The ambiance created through art, music, and flowers provides a low-pressure entry point—no membership required, no agenda, just a welcoming place to be."

Gadd said that for some, the art or music served as the initial draw. For others, the simple pleasure of fresh flowers created a lasting emotional impression.

Bloom, Brush & Bravo has also attracted new audiences, including people living with dementia and their care partners, "who discovered our café as a comfortable, dignified public outing option at a time when choices may be narrowing," she said. "The program has strengthened our reputation as a caring
and vibrant community hub, dispelling outdated stereotypes of what a senior center looks and feels like.

"In addition to enhancing social connection and emotional well-being, this initiative has measurably increased café traffic and revenue," Gadd said. "Most importantly, it leaves people with a powerful impression: they remember how they felt in our space—welcomed, uplifted, and connected."

Key takeaways from Bloom, Blush & Bravo:

• Filling the senior center café and atrium with rotating art, live piano music, and surprise flowers created a welcoming, low-pressure space where people naturally linger.
• For participants living with dementia and their care partners, the program provides a comfortable, dignified outing option, offering gentle sensory stimulation without pressure.
• The program met the goals of increasing cafe business and beautifying the senior center and also led to more volunteers.

About Westlake Community Services

Westlake Community Services is, as Director Lydia Gadd describes on their webite, "committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all residents, especially our 50+ community. Whether you’re looking for engaging programs, volunteer opportunities, or essential resources, we are here to help you stay connected, active, and empowered."