The newly built 8,456-square-foot center offers a variety of features designed to meet the needs of Gwinnett County’s aging adults, such as a dining room capable of serving more than 100 seniors, a full kitchen with a serving line, a multipurpose room, a billiards area, a personal care room, support space and staff offices. The LEED-certified building operates efficiently and sustainably and also offers functionality to those with visual, hearing and mobility challenges.
“It’s always exciting to break ground on a new facility, but that’s nothing compared to having the chance to actually open that facility, cut the ribbon and begin to see it serve its purpose for the folks the facility was designed for,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash. “I get a lot of satisfaction knowing that this new, expanded center will help meet the needs of more of our seniors.”
Funds for the $2.9 million building were provided by the voter-approved 2014 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) program – the first to allocate funds specifically for senior services capital projects. “This center is another great example of what our SPLOST gives us the ability to do, and I’m thankful to the voters who have supported the program time and time again,” Nash added.
“This center will be successful because of the warmth and care the seniors have for each other, the kindness they have for the staff and volunteers and the welcoming spirit they offer to visitors who walk through these doors,” said District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard.
The Centerville Senior Center offers meals along with activities and events such as arts and crafts, health and wellness classes and field trips.
To be a participant at the center, seniors can call Gwinnett Senior Services at 678.377.4150. Seniors must be at least 60 years old and complete an application. There are no membership fees or charge for meals, but some classes and trips may have small fees and the center accepts donations for meals.
