Staff, members, and the public will experience no disruptions of services or programs.
+ Update from the director
Sound Generations and the Central Area
Senior Center Announce Reorganization of their Partnership Arrangement
Sound Generations (SG) and the Central Area Senior Center (The Central) announced this week a reorganization of their partnership. On January 1, 2020, The Central will assume all administrative responsibilities to become an independent organization. SG will continue providing senior services like Community Dining and Enhanced Fitness at The Central. The full reorganization will be completed by the end of March 2020.
Both organizations view this as a timely and necessary step for The Central. The organizations have formed a Transition Team to oversee implementing these changes.
Staff, members, and the public will experience no disruptions of services or programs.
“The long-term purpose and vision of the Central remain what it was when we were founded by community activists in the late 1960s,” said Barbara Peete, The Central’s Board President. “We’re here to celebrate and serve all seniors, and especially those of African American and African immigrant backgrounds that live in King County.”
Central Area Senior Center is in a healthy financial situation even as we maneuver our programs and activities adapting to the changing environment in which we currently operate. Donors have been generous. You are one more example of this generosity we are experiencing. During non-COVID-19 days revenue was generated by a variety of means, individuals, corporations, small businesses, grants from foundations, rental revenue, membership dues, and program fees. Presently our primary funds are coming from the government, foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
Darryl Price, SG’s Board President said, “It’s exciting to be working with The Central’s dedicated, engaged staff, Board, and the broader community to recognize and support this community treasure—The Central.”
In 1975, Mayor Wes Uhlman used state funds, donations, and money raised in the community to purchase the property at 500 30th Avenue South as The Central’s permanent home. It is anticipated that in 2020 the City of Seattle will transfer the deed—and the responsibilities—for the site to the organization. This transfer aligns with the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative goal of returning control of community institutions to the communities being served.
“We’re ready to take The Central into the next decade,” Dian Ferguson, The Central’s Executive Director said. “This transition to greater independence could not have come at a better time.”