This year was another exciting year for the Oswegoland Senior and Community Center. (aka Oswego Senior Center) Since its inception as a meal program in 2007 serving 56 people, we have grown and touched the lives of over 2,800 community members and their families.

Our history in a snapshot:

• 2002 – Started as a Senior Advisory Committee for the Village of Oswego.
• 2007 – Became Village Commission; Started serving meals at Good Shepherd Church with Congregate Meal funding
• 2009 – Leased  space in old Traughber Middle School from District 308. Received additional funding through CCC grant. Oswegoland Seniors, Inc established as a 501c3 and operated the Oswego Senior Center. Newsletter, computer lab and line dancing headlined new activities.
• 2010 – Evidence-based programs, Medicare Forum, SHIP program, Scam Awareness Day, Bean Bag Baseball, extended travel trips and more recreational activities were added. Website was established.
• 2011 – First garage sale; first craft bazaar and ceramics started.
• 2012 – Woodshop was established.
• 2013 – Gift shop opened. Vehicles for Wrinkles started; international travel was offered.
• 2014 – OSC received funding for bus; Facebook page created.
• 2015 – Day trips increased; shoe donation fundraiser began; Shine-on campaign started; began podcast and  intergenerational program started with school partnership.
• 2016 – Culinary Expo, Step-up Challenge developed from Shine-on Campaign and Sponsorship initiative was started.
• 2018 – Leader of Dementia Friendly Community initiative, developed a Adult-Day Respite Program “Lighthouse”,  hosted a Senior Conference and Community Mental Health Day,  Gala fall fundraisier – “Rat Pack”
• 2019 – Record numbers at event participation for Culinary Expo, Intergenerational Talent Show and Medicare Forum; Expanded Gala fall “Rock & Roll” fundraiser with 270 in attendance
• 2020 – Activities and classes abruptly halted March 12 due to COVID19 pandemic; organize Zoom classes and participation. Lost lease with school district.  Thankful to Oswego Township for 84 Templeton Dr, as a temporary location. Organized 100’s of well being calls and home  delivered groceries (provided by Northern Illinois Food Bank).
• 2021 – First 4 months, Pandemic restricted in-person activities. Entertainment and classes on Zoom.  April started up restaurant gathering lunches. 84 Templeton Dr. was sold, moved to new temporary location at Church of the Brethren in September.  Developed new partnerships for programming space with Library, Legion,  Allied First Bank, Fire Department, and Diamond Apartments.
• 2022 – February secured new, permanent location at 3525 US Highway 34, Oswego (former Police Station). Improved Center’s name to be inclusive of entire community – Oswegoland Senior and Community Center along with new logo and Mission Statement.  Housewarming Party event held in April.  New building open to Community, July 5, 2022!