||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER |||
You probably know that Orcas Senior Center (OSC) is raising money to purchase San Juan County’s 49% interest of the building. In 1999, OSC undertook construction of the senior center building at 62 Henry Road in Eastsound. At the time, the nonprofit was unable to secure sufficient funds to finish construction, so San Juan County purchased its interest for use as county office space. With a surge in the number of island seniors and expanding senior programs and services, it’s time to complete the job with 100% ownership!
A little history: From 1976 through 2022, Orcas Senior Center served the needs of older adults and adults living with disabilities as a district of a three-island nonprofit called the Senior Services Council of San Juan County (SSCSJC). The need for increased community and senior services here on Orcas Island became painfully clear during COVID. In response, OSC separated from SSCSJC to become an independent nonprofit organization.
The new nonprofit took over operations of the center January 1, 2023, and now does business as, simply, Orcas Senior Center. By leaving the SSCSJC, OSC is now able to focus entirely on Orcas-specific needs and, as a result, has significantly increased programs and activities, more than doubling the number of people served compared to a year ago.
What is the ultimate goal? OSC will retain its priority mission of serving seniors and adults living with disabilities on Orcas Island. We aspire to expand activities, programs, and services to become a community center that serves people of all ages and abilities in our community. With your support we can do it!
Donations may be made to the Orcas Senior Center Building Purchase & Renovation Fund at Orcas Island Community Foundation at https://oicf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3186 or by contacting OSC directly at admin@orcasseniors.org.
Thank you for helping us write the next exciting chapter of the Orcas Senior Center’s story!
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