A DAY IN THE PARK : Bernardi Multipurpose Senior Citizens Center 6514 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys

Facilities: Three-story multipurpose building, dining room, meal program, educational and recreational courses.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Information: (818) 781-1101.

Joan Thompson is well aware of the number of people more than 60 years old who are in need of socialization and a nutritious meal. And so she is thrilled with her position as director of the Bernardi Multipurpose Senior Citizens Center in Van Nuys.

“Our mission is to provide senior citizens with nutritional services and social services and to help maintain frail elderly who still live at home,” Thompson said.

The center, sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council, offers a daily meal program for about $1.25 per meal (slightly more if the meal is delivered). In addition, the center offers rides for elderly people who need to get to doctor’s appointments.

“But this is not just a place for receiving the basics,” Thompson said. “Here a senior citizen can also continue his or her education.”

Courses in Yiddish, Spanish, Italian and French are offered at the center, which has been in Van Nuys for 13 years. Also, there are courses available in oil painting, folk dances and life-story writing.

“It’s a fun place for senior citizens to learn about things they don’t already know and meet other people at the same time, although we recognize that not all seniors are able to participate in these courses,” Thompson said.

There are an increasing number of Alzheimer’s patients in the Valley, and the center offers day-care services for those in need, she said.

“Basically, we try to assess all the needs of a growing senior citizen community and do our best to meet them,” Thompson said.