With the Gig Harbor Senior Center’s fiscal relationship with the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation (GGHF) they now have a nonprofit status. The Task Force which has been comprised of the Boys & Girls Club of South Puget Sound, the City of Gig Harbor, PenMet Parks, Pierce County and the GHSR Board of Directors is being realigned.
Everyone involved looks forward to the continued collaboration with all groups.
Dr. Julie Ann Gustanski wrote, “Other work has included an exhaustive search of possible temporary locations to continue key programs as well as efforts toward a centralized facility that will provide a longer-term solution and assure both program and capacity development for the Center. This would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts by leaders from the GGHF, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, Pierce County, Peninsula Metropolitan Park District, Parks, and the City of Gig Harbor.”
Betty Lilienthal, GHSC vice president adds,” The GHSC Board is the heart and soul of this shared effort. We are actively engaged in all aspects of developing a SR Center.”
“Cultivating a stronger more sustainable community is core to the Foundation’s work,” says Jud Morris, GGHF president. Through its offerings, the Gig Harbor Senior Center will fill a critical gap and generate positive outcomes for our local seniors, and in turn our community. We look forward to working with Center leadership on their journey.”
“With the exciting progress that has been made, BGCSPS is also pleased to share that upon the closing of the sale of the HOPE Center facility to Peninsula School District, BGCSPS will distribute $100,000 to the City of Gig Harbor to be used to support the Gig Harbor Senior Center.”
“The City has worked hard with BGCSPS to make sure that financing was established for the Senior Center prior to when the Senior Center would need to relocate. “We look forward to continuing to support the Senior Center as it develops services and a new home and becomes a part of the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation,” said City of Gig Harbor Mayor Kit Kuhn.
“We are hopeful to include Pierce County and PenMet Parks in our continued effort for funding and/or part-time staff to assist the Senior Center program. “
“We are grateful to the GGHF, the Boys & Girls Club, PenMet Parks, the City of Gig Harbor, and Pierce County for their care and support.” Lilienthal continues, “ We are truly excited and thankful for the financial provision from the City and the Boys & Girls Club. It provides a much need base for us to operate from. ”
Joyce Schultz, GHSC president adds, ”The designation of these dollars to jump start the future of the Gig Harbor Senior Center is invaluable. Under the umbrella of the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation the good work now starts to ensure a secure future of the Gig Harbor Senior Center.
The SC’s Board of Directors has been busy making contacts. The GH Chamber of Commerce invited them to have a booth at the Maritime Gig Festival the first week end in June. At the Festival SR Center volunteers collected 1300 Signatures of Support, saying YES Gig Harbor must have a vibrant, accessible senior center!
The SR Center is still in need of a home! They are indebted to the Harbor Covenant Church for having their Monday & Wednesday activities at the church for the summer. But, they are actively looking for space to house their entire five day program and activities. They welcome any and all donations. If you wish to help, contact them at Gig Harbor Senior Center, call 253-415-6338 ext. 107
email: ghseniorctr@gigharborfoundation.org
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About the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation (GGHF) is the only community foundation specifically working to meet the diverse needs of our greater Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula communities. The charitable 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization has invested more than $7 million in grants, scholarships, land, equipment, and volunteer labor during its 12-year history. At its core, the GGHF is an organization created with gifts from generous people committed to local causes. For donors, the Foundation serves as a philanthropic advisor. For the community, the Foundation serves as a grant maker and a civic leader. Through the support of its donors, volunteers and fundholders, the Foundation has been able to address some of the community’s most pressing needs. For more information, visit www.gigharborfoundation.org
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News Flash submitted by:
Betty Lilienthal