Welcome to the Meade County Senior Citizens Center, a place where friendship, activity, and learning come together.
For more than 50 years, we have proudly served adults age 50 and older, offering opportunities to stay active, connected, and engaged in the community.
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Our Center is more than just a building—it is a hub for fellowship, growth, and wellness.
We are guided by three core models of healthy aging:
Active Model
supporting physical wellness through exercise, recreation, and healthy living.
Life Long Learning Model
stimulating the mind through classes, workshops, and continued education.
Café Model
nurturing emotional health by fostering connection, conversation, and belonging.
Whether you are a long-time resident or new to the community, we invite you to explore all that the Senior Center has to offer.
History
The first major step in forming the Meade County Senior Citizens Center Association was taken on August 30, 1972, when the Community Action Program (CAP) Directors met and identified the establishment of Senior Citizen Centers across the nation as one of their duties. CAP directors David Young and Shirley Massa organized a bus trip for members of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Chapter No. 588 to visit the already established Custer Senior Center on September 1, 1972. The purpose of the trip was to gather ideas and input about creating a local center. Inspired and determined, the group returned to begin their work in Meade County.
On September 7, 1972, the committee met with the Meade County Commissioners, who authorized a one-tenth mill levy for operational purposes, with the stipulation that half would be shared with the town of Faith, South Dakota. Soon after, efforts began in Faith to help their seniors form a center as well. The Meade County Senior Citizens Center Association, Inc. was officially formed and named, with weekly planning meetings, elected officers, and established by-laws. Edna Long became the first president, assisted by Carl Peterson, Ervin Perrigrin, Doris Schryers, Shirley Massa, Carl Olson, and Bertha Dolman, with attorney Keith Smit donating his legal services.
The group rented the old Benning’s Grocery Store on 2nd Street for $100 per month, with an option to purchase for $10,000 from Vern Allison. Remodeling and utility installation began immediately once funds were secured. With the support of Senator William Grams and Herb Schumacher, supervisor of the Older Americans Program, a $16,000 grant was awarded, with the stipulation that a bus be purchased to meet seniors’ transportation needs.
A successful radio marathon organized by KBHB’s Les Kleven and Ray Ricci raised the required 25% non-federal matching funds to purchase the bus. Federal grants continued to support the Center for the next three years.
Less than two months after the first major action, the Meade County Senior Citizens Center officially opened its doors on October 20, 1972, with a Grand Opening and First Annual Meeting. The original purpose of the organization was stated as follows: “The organization shall be to promote the health and welfare of the senior citizens of Meade County and surrounding areas by ways and means proposed by the governing board of the corporation; to create fellowship and better understanding between senior citizens and the general public.”