East Topeka Senior Center History

After six years of continuous financial setbacks and emotional turmoil, the East Topeka Council on Aging finally succeeded in acquiring a multi- purpose center for the East Topeka Senior Citizens. This center was opened to provide a special “second home” for many senior citizens throughout Topeka and the surrounding areas. Whether it be to learn or perfect a craft, gather for a meal, play cards or other games or simply socialize, the East Topeka Senior Center was the place to be.

Having been shuffled repeatedly from the Eastlawn Community Center and the Salvation Army Building, the senior citizens decide to acquire a place of their own.  A group of concerned residents of East Topeka formed the East Topeka Task Force on Aging to help realize the dream of a senior center. Through the efforts of the Task force, the East Topeka Council on Aging emerged. The Council was created exclusively for the purpose of researching and applying for funds for the Senior Center.

After four years of monthly meetings at Eastlawn Community Center, the council learned that Shawnee County had made $28,000 available for disadvantaged groups. The council had located a building for a reasonable price and hoped the grant would allow for the purchase. However, when the council presented their application, they learned that LULAC (an Oakland community group) had also applied for the funds for a senior citizen building. The East Topeka Council on Aging’s application had not included a dining facility, which was a requirement for the funding so LULAC received the funds instead.

Determined not to give up, the council began to explore other sources of funding. They went to the Governor, the Department of Aging and Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging... anywhere they thought might be a funding source. By the following year, the council has secured a double-wide trailer thought the City of Topeka, Community Development. The trailer was originally from Washburn University where it had served as a health clinic. The council made an agreement with USD 501 to use the property on 10th and Chandler that had once served as a playground for Parkdale Elementary School. A Grand Opening was held on May 10, 1980 with speakers such as the then Governor John Carlin, Jack Alexander who was the City Commissioner, Nancy Parrish who served as a State Senator and Mrs. Hattie Norman, who was the chair of the East Topeka Council on Aging. Soon classes were being offered in creative cake making, ceramics, sewing and craft making. Participation grew as the word spread about the center’s hospitality and fun activities. Wednesday night card playing became a habit of some the regulars and the monthly Potluck Dinners were anticipated and relished by not only the senior citizens, but the families as well. Of course, with all these activities occurring day and night, reliable transportation was needed. Funding through JAAA allowed for the purchase of a 12-passenger van.

After celebrating their first anniversary in 1981, the council decided to incorporate in order to control the funds. The incorporation was complete in October 1981 and then the council began receiving federal, state and city funding. After a few years, the seniors outgrew their trailer and the City of Topeka offered them the lower level of Eastlawn/ The Abbott Center.  The seniors enjoyed the extra space to do their classes and activities and there was a fully equipped kitchen for meal preparation. However, the building was not without its issues.  Because it was on the lower level it would flood and in the winter ice would accumulate at the entrance making it hazardous. The Senior Center moved into the current location at Rice Community Center in 2011. Meals are provided by Meals on Wheels. Exercise is provided twice weekly through a partnership with Washburn School of Nursing. Ceramics is taught by a volunteer and of course there is Bingo, trips to the casino and other fun activities. Last year, some of the seniors had the opportunity to participate in It takes a Village ‘s Production of the Chocolate Nutcracker. It was a thrill. We are always open to new adventures. At the East Topeka Senior Center we have adopted the phrase “East Topeka Senior Center, Where The Fun Never Gets Old”