Mission, History, and Annual Report
Mission
The Brookline Senior Center is a Town gathering place dedicated to enriching the aging experience for Brookline older adults over the age of 60. We provide a rich, diverse environment with a wide range of opportunities, programs, and services in the areas of health, learning, art, socialization, nutrition, and recreation.
Our goal is to help older adults maintain their independence and continue to be active members of their community. We believe wholeheartedly in enhancing growth, dignity and a sense of belonging while encouraging individual contributions and the sharing of life experiences.
The Senior Center welcomes all who enter through our doors, regardless of age, income, disability, ethnic or religious background. We recognize the efforts of all our program collaborators and are grateful for their support.
The Council on Aging and the Brookline Senior Center
The Council on Aging is a municipal department of the Town of Brookline, responsible for providing services to Brookline’s older adults. The Senior Center is the building where programs and services take place. Then there is the Brookline Multi-Service Senior Center Corporation. That’s our official name for the non-profit that raises funds. The nonprofit is a 501(c)(3) entity responsible for supplementing the Town’s budget (the official name being unwieldy, we accept checks made out to the Brookline Senior Center). The Town’s budget currently covers only 69% of our total spending.
In FY22, our state, federal, and private funding totaled $459,117- currently funding 3 full-time and 14 part-time positions.
Items supported by fundraising include purchase of new vans, van driver salary, fitness programs, Fitness Coordinator salary, many fitness classes, food (special lunches & coffee), printing of Resource Guide, Ask a Geriatrician and other publications, many supplies and promotional items, and programs (this year, $20K has gone toward programs). The subsidy of programs keeps The Brookline Senior Center affordable and accessible for all.
31% of our budget
comes from you.
History
Brookline real estate developer Roger Stern donated the land on Winchester Street in 1995. Later that year Town Meeting voted to accept the gift and began planning the building. A year later Childs, Bertman & Tseckares was chosen to provide design services. In 1999 Town Meeting authorized $2.7 million in bonds to cover the construction. The Federal Community Development Block Grants program covered the remaining $1.6 million. The Center opened in 2001.
Today
The programs and services provided by the professional staff have grown. Hundreds of people visit each day to finish an art project, stay in shape, meet with friends, play bridge, see a social worker, work in the computer lab and read in the library. We are a community center: a place to make good friends, find something worthwhile to do, and where you can give back in a way that fosters a sense of belonging.
Click here to access the BSC 2024 Annual Report.