HISTORY

The Wenatchee Valley Senior Activity Center was originally incorporated in 1979. We received not-for-profit status under IRS code 501{c}(3) in 1990. A small group of seniors led by Clara Barsten rented space on Orondo Street in Wenatchee from 1979 until our present Center opened on November 11, 1993 at 1312 Maple Street in Wenatchee. These forward looking seniors planned a Senior Center that would be large enough to accommodate senior recreation needs far into the future. They raised all of the money to buy the land (a bequest) and build our 20,000 square foot Center with 129 parking spaces. Due to their foresight, we are a debt free corporation that has increased its membership from 400 in 1993 to over 2000 at the end of 2007.

We are self funded in the following ways: Bingo, tenant rentals, a Thrift Store, card and Crafts sales, private party rentals, business meeting rentals, a Travel program, private donations and through special fundraising events each year. We now host the largest craft and gift show in the Wenatchee area. Except for a special City of Wenatchee grant of $3,200, we are completely self-supporting. Our 165 volunteers and 17 staff members form a cohesive team that helps make ours the largest Senior Activity Center in North Central Washington with an annual operating budget of nearly $500,000.

We pride ourselves in being able to provide an “atmosphere of fun” where people of all ages can come for recreational, social and educational opportunities. Within our organization, we have provided room for self-motivated and self-directed activities. We have a Computer Club, a Dance Club and a Writing Club all started and sustained by our volunteer members. These clubs work under the “umbrella” of our not-for-profit status. All other activities are provided by the Wenatchee Valley Senior Activity Center or by organizations who rent space for their activities within our Center

We welcome people of all ages to participate in our activities. We encourage people to join our Center for $35 individual and $55 per couple per year so that they may receive our monthly newsletter that provides descriptions of our activities and information that seniors find helpful and interesting. There is no age limit to join our Center. However, members must be 50 years of age or older to vote at our annual election held in June. All other members are Associate Members and are eligible for all discounts on trips and other special consideration given to our members.