Stillaguamish Senior Center (SSC)
The Stillaguamish Senior Center (SSC) is a non-profit corporation. Its mission is to provide services to all seniors that enhance the quality of life, limit isolation and prevent a need for institutionalization. Content is from the site's 2016 archived pages.
If you have reached this site while looking for the Stillaguamish Senior Center, go to their current website at:
http://stillycenter.org/
Stillaguamish Senior Center
18308 Smokey Point Blvd.
Arlington, WA 98223
(360) 653-4551
History
The Stillaguamish Senior center (SSC) is a non-profit corporation organized by North Snohomish County citizens in 1970. Its mission is to provide services to all seniors that enhance the quality of life, limit isolation and prevent a need for institutionalization. An original sponsor of the organization was the Cascade Valley Hospital (CVH) board of directors who hoped to reduce the need for medicare hospitalization. The Center met at Pioneer Hall, was financed by a small federal grant and was managed by volunteers. It became apparent that a larger site was needed and in 1972 the site of the Fircrest Motel was purchased on Smokey Point Boulevard. The financing came from numerous fund raisers and a $55,000 loan from three local banks which was cosigned by CVH board of directors. Many local businesses donated materials and local seniors and others provided labor to build the present main building. Over the next few years grants were obtained to build two additional buildings, funds were raised to hire a small staff, and additional property was acquired including an adjacent thrift store. Throughout this period of growth, community support and hundreds of volunteer hours have made the center a valuable community asset. Through the years the senior center has built three HUD buildings and one Rural Development, therefore, we have 154 units of low-income senior housing on our campus. Financing for these buildings comes from federal, state, and county agencies with mortgages paid by rents and rent subsidies. SSC staff manages and maintains these facilities and provides social services to the residents. Currently services and programs being provided at the center include: Health and Wellness services such as diabetes support group, foot clinic, blood pressure screening, Caregiver Support groups, Outreach services, fitness activities, Food Bank, surplus food room and a four day meal site. Recreational activities; classes, day trips and extended trips, public bingo, pinochle, bridge, wei bowling, movies, pool playing, Friday entertainment; etc. Currently the center has 4,123 participants and 230 volunteers. These volunteers work with staff in many areas of the center. We have a 15 member Board of Directors and a 21 member Advisory Council. Funding for these activities and services come from a variety of sources; Snohomish County, City of Arlington, United Way. We also self-generate funds through our Thrift Store, Hall Rentals, Public Bingo games, fundraising, grants and donors. If you have not been to the Stillaguamish Senior Center and are in our area be sure to stop in for a tour and visit. |
Activities
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Mt. Rushmore & The Black Hills
Travel to beautiful
Mt. Rushmore & The Black Hills of South Dakota
August 20th-28th, 2016. -
The Stillaguamish Senior Center’s Snuggle Tree is up and ready for donations. The center is collecting warm hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and socks for area children in the community. We will be collection items through January 1st. Thank you from the children.
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New Years Celebration at the Center
Join us as we kick off the new year. Let’s talk about all the wonderful possibilities the fresh start of a new year brings...(and don’t forget to choose a couple of cool resolutions!) Entertainment starts on January 8th at 11 AM with Rick Cooper. Lunch at noon. -
Martin Luther King
A day of remembering all the freedoms we have and enjoy. Martin Luther King Jr. has inspired the world to put aside all prejudice. Entertainment starts on January 15th at 11 AM with Doug Williams. Lunch at noon. -
Chicken Dinner
January 31stNoon - 2:00pmPrices
$8 Seniors
$9 Adults
$5 Children -
Come in and join us as we serve the best baked chicken with mashed potatoes & gravy, coleslaw and roll.
All proceeds help to raise money to keep our seniors active in the community.
Live musical entertainment! -
Social Services
If you have questions regarding Medicare, Social Security, DSHS, legal issues, a loss, or declining health, you can call our Outreach Services provider, Adele Erbeck, here at the Center. Adele is available on Wednesdays & Thursdays from 9am-4pm. 360-653-4551 x 234
Closures
Snow Days - If the Arlington school district is closed for snow, the Stillaguamish Senior Center will be closed as well.
New Years Day | Thursday, January 1st |
Martin Luther King Day | Monday, January 19th |
Presidents Day | Monday, February 16th |
Memorial Day | Monday, May 25th |
Independence Day | Friday, July 3rd |
Labor Day | Monday, September 7th |
Columbus Day | Monday, October 12th |
Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 26th |
Day after Thanksgiving | Friday, November 27th |
Christmas Eve | Thursday, December 24th |
Day after Christmas | Friday, December 25th |
More Background on StillyCenter.com
The Stillaguamish Senior Center: The Stillaguamish Senior Center (SSC) stands as a cornerstone of support and engagement for seniors in Arlington, Washington. This comprehensive article delves into the history, services, and impact of this vital community institution, drawing from various sources to provide a well-rounded view of its significance.
Historical Background
The Stillaguamish Senior Center has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1970. It was established by concerned citizens of North Snohomish County with the primary goal of enhancing the quality of life for seniors in the area. The center's inception was partly inspired by the need to reduce Medicare hospitalization rates, a concern shared by the Cascade Valley Hospital board of directors, who were among the original sponsors of the organization. Initially, the center operated out of Pioneer Hall, relying on a small federal grant and the dedication of volunteers. However, as the demand for services grew, it became evident that a larger, more permanent facility was necessary. In 1972, the center made a significant move by purchasing the site of the former Fircrest Motel on Smokey Point Boulevard. This acquisition was made possible through a combination of community fundraising efforts and a loan from local banks, co-signed by the Cascade Valley Hospital board of directors. The construction of the main building on the new site was a testament to community spirit, with local businesses donating materials and seniors contributing their labor. Over the years, the center expanded its facilities, adding two additional buildings and acquiring adjacent properties, including a thrift store. This growth was supported by grants and the tireless efforts of volunteers, transforming the center into a valuable community asset.
Services and Programs
The Stillaguamish Senior Center offers a wide array of services and programs designed to meet the diverse needs of the senior population in Arlington and surrounding areas. These include:
- Health and Wellness Services:
- Diabetes support groups
- Foot clinics
- Blood pressure screenings
- Caregiver support groups
- Recreational Activities:
- Fitness classes
- Day trips and extended travel opportunities
- Card games (pinochle, bridge)
- Wii bowling
- Movie screenings
- Pool playing
- Social Services:
- Outreach programs
- Food bank
- Surplus food distribution
- Meal site (operating four days a week)
- Educational Programs:
- Various classes and workshops
- Entertainment:
- Regular Friday entertainment events
- Public bingo games
- Housing:
- Management of low-income senior housing units on campus
Community Impact
The Stillaguamish Senior Center has made a significant impact on the lives of seniors in the Arlington area. With over 4,000 participants and 230 volunteers, the center serves as a hub for social interaction, health support, and community engagement. The volunteer base is crucial to the center's operations, with community members working alongside staff in various capacities. The center's governance structure includes a 15-member Board of Directors and a 21-member Advisory Council, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the needs of the community it serves. This strong leadership has been instrumental in the center's growth and its ability to adapt to changing demographics and senior needs over the years.
Funding and Support
The Stillaguamish Senior Center operates through a diverse funding model that combines public support with self-generated revenue. Funding sources include:
- Government Support:
- Snohomish County
- City of Arlington
- Non-Profit Organizations:
- United Way
- Self-Generated Funds:
- Thrift store operations
- Hall rentals
- Public bingo games
- Fundraising events
- Grants
- Individual donors
This multi-faceted approach to funding allows the center to maintain a wide range of services while ensuring financial stability.
Housing Initiatives
One of the most significant contributions of the Stillaguamish Senior Center to the community has been its involvement in senior housing. The center has been instrumental in the development and management of low-income senior housing units on its campus. Over the years, SSC has built three HUD (Housing and Urban Development) buildings and one Rural Development building, providing a total of 154 units of affordable housing for seniors. These housing initiatives are financed through a combination of federal, state, and county agencies, with mortgages paid through rents and rent subsidies. The SSC staff manages and maintains these facilities, providing not only housing but also essential social services to the residents. This integrated approach ensures that seniors have access to both affordable housing and the support services they need to maintain their independence and quality of life.
Cultural and Social Significance
The Stillaguamish Senior Center plays a crucial role in the social fabric of Arlington and the surrounding communities. It serves as more than just a service provider; it is a gathering place where seniors can form connections, engage in activities, and remain active members of their community. The center's programs and services help combat social isolation, a significant concern for many older adults, by providing opportunities for regular social interaction and engagement. Moreover, the center's intergenerational programs and community events help bridge the gap between different age groups, fostering a sense of community cohesion. By involving volunteers of all ages and hosting events that attract diverse participants, the center helps to break down age-related stereotypes and promote understanding between generations.
Adaptation to Changing Needs
Over the years, the Stillaguamish Senior Center has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to the changing needs of the senior population. This adaptability is evident in the evolution of its programs and services, which have expanded to include modern amenities and activities that appeal to a new generation of seniors. For example, the introduction of Wii bowling as a regular activity reflects the center's recognition of the benefits of technology in promoting physical activity and social interaction among seniors. The center's Wii bowling team not only participates in on-site tournaments but also travels to other senior centers and living facilities for competitions, providing an innovative way for seniors to stay active and engaged.
Health and Wellness Focus
The Stillaguamish Senior Center places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, recognizing the importance of preventive care and ongoing health management for seniors. The center's health-related services, such as diabetes support groups, foot clinics, and blood pressure screenings, provide valuable resources for seniors to monitor and maintain their health. Additionally, the center's fitness activities and classes cater to a range of physical abilities, encouraging seniors to stay active and maintain their mobility. These programs not only contribute to the physical well-being of participants but also provide opportunities for social interaction and mental stimulation, which are crucial factors in overall senior health.
Outreach and Support Services
One of the key strengths of the Stillaguamish Senior Center is its commitment to outreach and support services. The center employs dedicated outreach professionals who assist seniors with a variety of issues, including navigating Medicare, Social Security, and DSHS (Department of Social and Health Services) programs. This support extends to legal issues, bereavement counseling, and assistance for those facing declining health. By providing these services, the center helps seniors access the resources they need to maintain their independence and quality of life. The availability of on-site support also means that seniors have a trusted local resource to turn to when facing challenges or seeking information about available services.
Community Partnerships
The success of the Stillaguamish Senior Center is due in large part to its strong community partnerships. The center collaborates with local businesses, healthcare providers, and other community organizations to enhance its services and reach. These partnerships not only provide additional resources and support for the center's programs but also help to integrate the center more deeply into the fabric of the Arlington community. For example, local healthcare providers often participate in health fairs and screenings at the center, while businesses may sponsor events or provide in-kind donations. These collaborations create a network of support that extends the center's impact beyond its physical walls.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Like many senior centers across the country, the Stillaguamish Senior Center faces ongoing challenges, including:
- Funding: Maintaining diverse funding sources to support operations and expand services.
- Changing Demographics: Adapting to the needs of younger seniors while continuing to serve older adults.
- Technology Integration: Incorporating new technologies to enhance services and attract tech-savvy seniors.
- Volunteer Recruitment: Ensuring a steady stream of volunteers to support the center's operations.
- Awareness: Increasing community awareness of the center's services and its value to the community.
Despite these challenges, the outlook for the Stillaguamish Senior Center remains positive. The center's history of adaptability and strong community support positions it well to continue serving the needs of Arlington's senior population for years to come. The Stillaguamish Senior Center stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in supporting and empowering seniors. From its humble beginnings in 1970 to its current status as a comprehensive senior service provider, the center has consistently demonstrated its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for older adults in Arlington and the surrounding areas. Through its diverse range of programs, housing initiatives, and health services, the center addresses the multifaceted needs of seniors, promoting independence, social engagement, and overall well-being. As it continues to evolve and adapt to changing demographics and needs, the Stillaguamish Senior Center remains a vital resource and a beloved institution in the Arlington community, embodying the spirit of compassion, support, and active aging.