The operations of two City of Tacoma senior centers has been taken over by Franke Tobey Jones, a non-profit retirement community that now has three centers to run.
Officials of Franke Tobey Jones, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, announced in July its successful negotiations with the city to start operating the Lighthouse and Beacon senior centers. Lighthouse is located at 5016 A St., near Pacific Avenue, and Beacon is in the downtown area at 415 S. 13th St.
Franke Tobey Jones also has managed Point Defiance-Ruston Senior Center since 1998.
“We’re very excited to start operating two additional senior centers,” said Judy Dunn, president of Franke Tobey Jones. She noted the Point Defiance-Ruston center, which is a short drive from the retirement community, has been “in the capable hands” of director Kate Gray, who will also lead the Lighthouse and Beacon centers and their efforts “to serve more seniors with more activities and connections than ever before and continue to provide a vital link to the greater Tacoma area for all seniors.”
Gray said she “can’t wait to get to know the participants because, as I often say, we want the senior center to be their home away from home. I want to implement programming that enriches their lives, but my desire is that seniors at each of the centers help design the programming that will meet their expectations and needs. It’s their senior center, we just make what they want happen.”
Beacon Senior Center is undergoing renovations and improvements that officials said will enable it to function long-term as a senior activity center and an overnight shelter for young adults, while providing some crossover services and activities between the age groups.
Lighthouse Senior Centeroffers recreational and leisure programs, health and wellness programs, cultural programs, and classes. It also provides social services resources.
Point Defiance-Ruston Senior Center,in operation since 1998, is located at 4716 N. Baltimore St. It has been a community gathering place for thousands of adults 55 and older for events and activities.
Officials said all three centers provide:
- Classes, programs and events to enhance quality of life and promote overall well-being.
- Support for healthy nutritional and wellness habits.
- Encouragement for members to be proactive in their own lives and in the community.
- Meals through Catholic Community Services for a small fee.
“The goal of Franke Tobey Jones, both at our senior-living campus and at our senior centers, is to provide exceptional, compassionate, vibrant environments fostering physical, emotional and spiritual well-being,” said Bob Beckham, Franke Tobey Jones’ chief operations officer. “We are dedicated to promoting independence, dignity and a high quality of life for each senior served.”
Franke Tobey Jones’ campus has active and assisted living residences, as well as 24-hour healthcare and memory care.