Stillaguamish Senior Center

About Us:

The Stillaguamish Senior Center provides services to all seniors that enhance the quality of life, limit isolation and prevent a need for institutionalization. Each of our programs areas strives to achieve this mission. The program areas include Health, Nutrition, Social Service, Housing, Recreation, Education and Transportation.

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, wii bowling, movies, 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. We also self-generate funds through our Thrift Store, Hall Rentals, Public Bingo games, fundraising, grants and donors.