Center offers Cleveland seniors fellowship and memories

Cleveland – In 2019, Teresa Burke, having recently retired, began frequently accompanying a relative to the Cleveland Senior Center. She quickly realized the growth potential, inquiring, “Why do y’all only do an activity twice a week... why aren’t you doing something every day?”

Her resolve to step up to help plan events eventually earned her the role of activities director. But Burke’s ambition is not alone; the question of what can I do for my community seems to be on the mind of every employee at the center.

The center, found on 220 Peach Ave, offers a variety of services and activities for Cleveland community members, including free meals, with suggested donations of four or five dollars; games such as Bingo on Tuesday and Friday; Dominoes every day; and the center lends itself to rentals for private events.

Other events found at the center include live music performed by The Holly Rollers, a gospel and country group, every fourth Friday of the month, as well as quilting on Thursdays.

The center also holds a monthly birthday celebration every third Wednesday of the month for all the seniors whose birthday lands on that month.

Holidays are also a busy time for the center, with the days leading up to Easter, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day, amongst many others, being filled with the corresponding holiday-themed events.

And between all the events and games, smiles are raised, laughs are heard, and something becomes clear; The center is centered around fellowship. Those who frequent the establishment feel welcomed and appreciated. Such is the case with two regulars, Frenchie and Estelle, who shared their thoughts, only pausing briefly to return good mornings and hugs to their arriving friends. “This is the place where you go to get hugs,” Estelle said of the community within the center, “It’s better when you communicate with people,” Frenchie echoed.

This inviting social sphere is not accidental, as Executive Director James Franklin works hard to ensure the center runs smoothly. Franklin can be found all over the center, lending a hand to ensure everything is in order. With only eight employees, the center is a small operation that sees the team sometimes wear multiple hats.

Being a 501( c) 3 non- profit, Franklin and his team must work within the budget constraints that come with this type of organization, making community volunteer work essential to the center’s mission.

Donations and grants form the majority of the center’s funds. Financial support for the center and any questions about scheduling can be directed to the center at 281-592-1174.

“It does my heart good,” Burke affirms when asked why she works in the center. Throughout the visit, she holds flyers announcing future events, careful not to crease them as they are the original master copies.

The Senior Citizens Center of Cleveland creates contemporary fond memories with its eyes aimed toward the future.