History
From Grass Roots to Not-for-Profit
This year was another exciting year for the 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 with the Congregate Meal funding
- 2009 – Moved into current facility, received additional funding through CCC grant; OSI/501c3 established and took over operation of OSC; Newsletter started; computer lab and classes started, line dancing started
- 2010 – Evidence-based programs, Tai Chi, lunch and learns, health screen fair, Medicare Forum, SHIP program, Scam Awareness Day, Bean Bag Baseball League and Wii Bowling league started; first prom; antique auction; car show; monthly radio announcement on WSPY; Travel started; Website up and running; tea luncheon; bags started; garden established
- 2011 – First garage sale; first craft bazaar; yoga started; ceramics started; auto show; chili cook-off started
- 2012 – Woodshop started; knitting and crocheting started
- 2013 – Gift shop started; Vehicles for Wrinkles started; international travel offered; mobile device lab
- 2014 – OSC received bus; Facebook page created
- 2015 – Day trips increased; shoe donation fundraiser; Shine-on campaign started; began podcasts; create resource center; Mother/Daughter luncheon started; intergenerational program started, ted talks discussion group
- 2016 – Culinary Expo, Hoedown, Step-up Challenge, Sponsorship initiative, scam awareness at lunches, spring craft fair, chat group & more
- 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; loose lease, downsize to 84 Templeton Sr., Oswego