December 07, 2023

We have some incredible news! We at Pasadena Senior Center (PSC) have just received a $1.25 million gift from an anonymous donor – the largest gift to the Center in the past 40 years – it was announced today.

“We are thrilled and extremely grateful that our generous benefactor believes in the important work we do at Pasadena Senior Center,” said Akila Gibbs, PSC Executive Director. “Pasadena as a city is aging faster than most other cities its size, making our presence and work all the more vital to our community. This incredible gift will allow us to continue to empower and enrich the lives of older adults for many years to come.”

The historic, seven-figure gift will provide vital general operating support, both immediately and into the future. The funds will be partially invested in our endowment, with the remainder going to support general operations for the next four years, providing immediate funding to address our most pressing needs as they arise.

With a mission to improve the lives of older adults through caring service with opportunities for social interaction, recreation, basic support and needs services, education, volunteerism and community activism, PSC opened in 1960 as the first nonprofit senior center in Southern California, and one of the first in the nation.

Originally funded and founded by The Junior League of Pasadena, we were given a $9 million bequest from the Margaret Bundy Scott Trust in 1983, which paved the way to expand both our programming and facility. In 1998, after an extensive renovation that tripled our size, our new and improved center opened its doors with a billiard room, fully equipped gym, video production room, computer lab, library, more meeting rooms, a larger multipurpose room, intern and counseling offices and more employee space.

In March of 1999, we were awarded national accreditation by the National Council on Aging's National Institute of Senior Centers. This accreditation made us the first nationally accredited senior center in the state of California. We were re-accredited in 2006.

Today, we offer a wide variety of programs and services designed to engage, enrich, and empower the loves of older adults age 50 and over. From ballroom and Bollywood dancing to recreational sports leagues, improv and creative writing to meditation and language classes, movie matinees, art exhibitions, tours, socials, and more, PSC welcomes nearly 30,000 seniors each year to our Holly Street facility in Old Town Pasadena.

As the only senior facility of our kind serving the Pasadena, Foothill, and San Gabriel communities, we also provide essential services, including a lunch program, food pantry, and food distribution program, pro-bono legal services, free health screenings, and more.

To learn more about Pasadena Senior Center, our programs, or how to become a member, please visit  https://www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org/membership/membership