Finding Camaraderie at Willard Community Center

BY RANDY BRETZ

Dave’s retired, and he’d just moved to Lincoln to be closer to family. A chance meeting as he put some food in the “Blessing Box” outside the Willard Community Center resulted in a group of new friends, a reason to get out of the house, and a little fun playing bingo as well.

Thanks to a grant from the Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation, the Willard Community Center at Folsom and B streets on Lincoln’s west side, now has several activities focused on senior citizens.

“We knew there was a need for seniors in our neighborhood,” commented Janelle Soderling, “and the grant from the Presbyterian Foundation helped us get something started.”

Soderling is Executive Director of the Center and is always looking for ways to serve the community.

“The funds have helped with our general operating expenses, to establish some regular senior activities, and even to make it possible for our Center to be a polling place,” added Soderling. In addition to Dave, the group includes Liz and Mary, two retired preschool teachers who now regularly coordinate a monthly meal for seniors.

The Willard Community Center is a hub of activity from morning until night including preschool programs, before and after school programs, scouting activities, meetings and family activities, family gardens on the property, and now regular activities for seniors thanks to the grant from the Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation. Check it out at Willard Community Center.

Randy Bretz is a contributing writer for 55+.