Fortuna Senior Center Update

By Marsha Hays President, Fortuna Senior Center

Nineteen years ago, sixteen seniors gathered at the Presbyterian church in Fortuna to brainstorm about increasing their membership. One thing became apparent at that first meeting ...... seniors not only wanted, but urgently needed, a space to gather. They started renting out various rooms and spaces throughout the area, but within a couple of years they outgrew everywhere that Fortuna had to offer.

Three years ago, the Gene Lucas Center offered us a space, and we were hopeful that we had found our “forever home.” But, shortly after we moved in and had our first potluck, we knew we would not be able to stay here. We had no kitchen, only one classroom, half of our rented space was located up two flights of stairs, and the downstairs space was not adequate for our needs.

The original 16 members have now grown to more than 600 members.

In our monthly tally of activity participants during the month of May 2022, there were more than 994 visits to our activities. Our doors are open daily 9:00-4:00 and staffed by volunteer receptionists. The lobby is often full of members picking out books and puzzles, visiting with friends, or finishing a puzzle together.

We have 26 different activities every week and encourage members to continue developing new and interesting activities. There is no payroll here as we are all volunteers. All our activities are led by qualified volunteer leaders. We have developed a wonderful, warm, safe, and inviting organization for all Seniors in our area to use.

At our first Board Meeting after we moved to the GLC, we faced the fact that we were not going to be able to stay here. We had money in the bank from previous endowments that we had saved and stewarded all this time and voted to use that money to build a place of our own. We wanted a building and an environment that would provide a comfortable place for seniors to come and spend their days.

At this time we have spent over $1.4 million dollars on this project. We purchased the land and purchased and erected our building. All the work at the site, including the land and building, has been paid for as the projects are completed. We are in need of funds to finish our new Center and are actively fundraising to complete the project.

It is our goal that when we open our doors at 3811 Rohnerville Rd., it will be “PAID IN FULL!”

Please visit our website for more information at fortunasenior.org.

The Fortuna Senior Center is nearing completion. Photo Credit: Renee Lindsay