Yelm Senior Center directors, members describe reliance on city funding as equipment fails

Jeanne James, volunteer executive director of the Yelm Senior Center, told the Yelm City Council on June 24 that the center relies on city support to stay open and pay routine expenses.

"The Yelm Senior Center is grateful for the financial support we received from the city of Yelm," James said, outlining how membership dues, donations and fundraisers cover insurance, maintenance and monthly costs.

James told the council the center recently replaced a ductless HVAC unit in its kitchen at a cost of $5,700 and expects to pay $6,597.18 this week to repair a walk-in cooler. She said the center is entirely volunteer-run and that donated labor and newly purchased equipment help maintain a large, difficult-to-care-for grounds.

Council members asked about operations and praised volunteers. Council Member Kingizer thanked James for her leadership and noted the council appreciates the center's community role.

Several center members' written comments were read aloud to the council describing why they attend: affordable meals, exercise and social programs. Carol Bote, a center member, said, "The center means fellowship and fun. Love coming for the meals and also bingo and dinner."

James listed programming that members rely on, including chair yoga, line dancing, pinochle and a weekly $5 lunch. She said the center has purchased a riding lawnmower, a weed eater, a blower and a battery-powered mower and that local volunteers and youth groups have donated time for yard work.

The presentation closed with James thanking the council for the opportunity to speak and with council members encouraging continued community support.