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Residents say Wake Forest senior center enrollment and volunteer participation have fallen after town takeover; commissioners asked for review
Summary
Multiple residents told the Board of Commissioners the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging has seen a drastic drop in enrollment and volunteer participation since the town assumed operation; speakers cited staff departures, new liability waivers and dress-code changes and asked for investigation and a report.
Several residents used the public-comment period to urge the Board of Commissioners to investigate changes at the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging after the town assumed management.
Jennifer Amick, speaking for Wake Forest Indivisible, said the center once had “booming” enrollment that she described as now “a ghost town.” She said two longtime, successful center staff resigned after the town took over, and that volunteers were asked to sign liability waivers that she and others shared with an attorney who found earlier versions “legally unenforceable.” Amick told the board she had heard reports that class enrollment has declined by about 75% and that volunteers had largely stopped participating because of new requirements including dress codes, liability waivers and background checks.
Other public commenters echoed concerns and called for transparency, including an audit or report explaining the staffing and operational changes. Margaret Watkins and another commenter urged clearer public guidance and said residents felt intimidated from providing feedback directly.
Commissioners did not take formal action on this item during the meeting but several asked staff to provide additional information and suggested the issue warranted follow-up. The board did not specify a timeline in the public record during the meeting; citizens asked for a written report and further outreach.
