By Jake Goldstein-Street, news intern

On one side of the Ballard NW Senior Center, its motto, “where friends meet friends,” is written boldly. 

“It’s so friendly,” Carlene Canady-Wold, who serves as the chair of the center’s rummage sale, said. “It’s like being with a big family.”

The center, located in 32nd Avenue NW, is preparing to celebrate its 45th anniversary of providing an enjoyable space for elders of the Ballard, Interbay, Magnolia and Queen Anne.

The space partners with Sound Generations to host hours of activities, tailored to the elderly and their families. Programs provide for the essential needs of seniors, including health services, social work assistance and exercise.

Creating opportunities to socialize is another top priority. The center hosts happy hours, bingo and volunteer opportunities throughout the community. 

Cannady-Wold is a senior who has volunteered at the center for two years. “I’m not a couch potato,” she said. “I didn’t want to sit home by myself. I found the center was ideal, a place to come and mingle with people my age and have fun together.”

Carlye Teel, who has served as executive director of the senior center for more than 30 years, said the space continues to evolve in response to the growth in the demographic it serves.

“The center grows and serves additional people but in a different way,” she said. “It shows how busy, involved and active this population is.”

Established in October 1973, during Mayor Wes Uhlman’s administration with money from the Model Cities program, the center had modest beginnings.

“It started as a small group of seniors that wanted a place to play cards, have lunch and provide support for one another,” Teel said. “Through the years, it has evolved into a center that provides kind of a one stop shop for seniors and their families for whatever might be needed.”

Now more than 3,500 individuals are assisted at the facility each year, with a staff of only five to handle all duties. More than 450 community members volunteer sporadically throughout each year doing anything from reception work to chairing different committees. 

“Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the center,” Teel said.

Sound Generations now has six senior centers, including a location in West Seattle.

This senior center hopes to change the way its visitors are viewed by the general public. The goal is to provide proof that those over 50 are energetic members of the neighborhood. 

In addition, the facility works to ensure that the community sees the value in the people it serves–and the wealth of knowledge and experience these seniors have to offer.

The seniors that have utilized the center and those who have made it possible over the past 45 years will be celebrated at a party this October. 

 For more information, visit https://ballardseniorcenter.org.