Why the Georgetown Senior Center?
The Georgetown Senior Center (GSC) is a place where all seniors are welcomed, accepted, and respected regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity, special needs, and socio-economic status. At the Center, seniors find warmth, companionship, nourishment, and intellectual stimulation. In summary, it is a rewarding and fun experience for all!
Nurturing Environment
Many of our volunteers have been working at the Georgetown Senior Center for over 20 years - they are passionate about older adults and the Center’s mission. These dedicated, kind volunteers develop a close rapport with the seniors and care deeply about each person’s well-being.
“Relationships re-enforced by regular in-person gatherings, telephone conversations and e-mail contact”
Small Size and Closeness Among Members
Regular membership does not exceed 20 seniors. Many of our members get together with each other socially outside of the Center’s activities. At the Georgetown Senior Center, individual birthdays are celebrated with a special meal, cards and gifts. If a senior is ill and/or hospitalized, the group sends cards and often visits. Over time, our members develop deep friendships that last the rest of their lives.
Mix of Programs
Seniors enjoy a variety of programs every month. While some have a strong educational component (such as talks on current or historic events, disease prevention, and controversial issues) others are more recreational (such as art lessons, musical performances, and improv sessions). The programs draw on the wealth of talent, experience, and skill possessed by professionals and retirees in the Washington, DC area. Rarely is a program repeated more than once.
Tradition of Service
The Georgetown Senior Center has been operating in Georgetown for 40 years. Although its offerings, logistics, and staff have changed over time, the core mission and philosophy remain the same. We strive to provide older residents in the community a safe haven to connect and experience a plethora of programs and services. Various local businesses have contributed time and resources to ensure that the Center flourishes, including restaurants, a real estate company, a technology firm, and a newspaper. The GSC’s stability and longevity of service in the community makes it unique.
“We all watch out for each other. Once you come to the Center, we’ve got you. You’re family!”
Our History
Virginia Luce Allen, a native Washingtonian and retired government worker was concerned about “the plague of loneliness” threatening older Americans. After being moved by an article written by Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward about a federally-funded senior center closing, Allen was determined to re-open it. Driven by boundless compassion and energy, she established a new Center (then named the Georgetown Senior Citizen Center) and was granted nonprofit status in 1982. She refused to apply for government funds, and instead, initially supported the Center on her own. Later she went door-to-door to obtain community contributions as over time, the organization grew to a sizable group enjoying home cooked hot lunches and occasional musical programs.
Today the Georgetown Senior Center continues to operate as a 501(c) 3 organization. It is governed by a Board of Directors, has two part-time staff, and a large cadre of volunteers. Together they offer local seniors light exercise, home-cooked lunches, a variety of on-site programs, monthly field trips, and holiday celebrations with restaurant-donated meals.
