Founded in 1972, the Senior Center has grown from a small band of 50 older adults to a lively community of over 7,400 in 2008. NSC had been affiliated with Senior Services of Seattle/King County between 1982 - 2016. Over 500 dedicated volunteers in self-directed teams, with the support of staff, have designed and monitored every aspect of programming, bringing ever changing and vital programs and services to those over 55, and adults of all ages with disabilities. The model on which the Center has flourished for so many years, outlined in the document Management Values and Practices, continues to inspire and connect volunteers and staff.

Some imagine that the goal of senior center staff is to schedule games and activities to keep older people busy. In contrast, at Northshore our job is to greet whoever walks in the door, ask what they want to do and then support them in doing it. The participants become volunteers who bring their friends, build attention to their activities, call others to become involved, attract new and skilled volunteers, and watch their programs grow. Senior power has been our banner, and it has built our center into one of the largest and most active in the country.

The Northshore Senior Center (NSC) is pleased to announce that effective March 1, 2016, NSC has become an independent, locally managed non-profit. Prior to this, NSC was under the management of SoundGenerations, a Seattle based organization. Becoming independent means that any funds coming into NSC will stay in the community.

NSC is the second largest senior center in the United States with 2,727 members. Programs and services are provided at the Northshore Senior Center – Bothell, Kenmore and Mill Creek Branches and the Adult Health and Wellness Center. Programs range from fitness to cards and games to lifelong learning and computer classes. The center offers a variety of support groups and offers adult day health and respite care. Transportation is a key service that transports seniors to the various facilities.

The facilities in Bothell are owned by the Northshore Parks and Recreation Area and space has been generously provided by the cities of Kenmore and Mill Creek in those respective communities.

Being a non-profit, NSC depends on government grants, membership dues, program fees and the generosity of the greater Northshore community. Additional information regarding NSC and its programs and services can be found at www.northshoreseniorcenter.org or by calling 425-487-2441.