The Grayson center will be in an existing facility behind city hall. “When the Grayson Senior Center was built in 1996, the original vision was to use it to provide meals and activities for seniors,” said Grayson Mayor Allison Wilkerson. “The city of Grayson is very proud and excited to partner with Gwinnett County for this wonderful and worthy use of our beautiful facility.”
Snellville Mayor Barbara Bender said, “The city of Snellville is excited that we had facilities available at T.W. Briscoe Park to allow Gwinnett Senior Services to expand their wonderful programs supporting our senior population.”
Both new centers are expected to open in March and both will accommodate 40 people. The project will receive federal funding through the Atlanta Regional Commission.
The waiting list for the County’s Centerville facility has grown to 150 people, according to Blake Hawkins, deputy director for community services. He said the demand is high in southeast Gwinnett because it was in the first wave of settlement in the 1970s and those early residents are now aging.
District 3 Commissioner Tommy Hunter said, “I am grateful to the Grayson and Snellville city councils for generously providing valuable space that will allow the County to expand services to more seniors.”
Four senior centers in Buford, Centerville, Lawrenceville, and Norcross are currently operated by Gwinnett Health and Human Services as gathering places for adults 60 and older. Hot, balanced lunches are available five days a week. Seniors find daily planned activities such as exercise and dance classes, arts and crafts, table games, billiards and day trip excursions. The centers also host performers and speakers on medical, financial and consumer issues important to seniors. Membership is free but some classes and day trips have small fees.
More information about the congregate meals program or other services for seniors and their families is available from the Gwinnett Senior Services Center located at 567 Swanson Drive in Lawrenceville or by phone at 678-377-4150. The office is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
