City: Reno, NV

Category: Retirement

Telephone: (775) 328-2575

Address: 1155 East Ninth Street Reno

Description: A multipurpose facility sponsored by Washoe County, the Washoe County Senior Services Center is a focal point where people can obtain information, services, and access to community resources designed for older persons. When you visit the center, you’re immediately aware of the high level of purposeful activity all around, from the enthusiastic exercise class in the multipurpose room to the quiet game of pool in the billiards room. The overall ambience of this large, comfortable facility is that of a club or resort, where people gather to pursue a large variety of pleasurable activities. The ongoing programs include arts and crafts, creative writing, card games, exercise classes, support groups, and a readers circle. Lunch is served weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Washoe County Library System maintains a full branch in the center, with a large selection of books (including large-print editions), paperbacks, videotapes, and newspapers. The Assistance League of Reno-Sparks sponsors the Senior Sampler Gift Shop, which sells items made by local senior crafters. And the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) staffs an information booth in the lobby to help inform seniors of AARP programs. Other programs that are managed from the center include Benefit Assistance, Daybreak, the Homemaker Program, Home Delivered Meals, and the Senior Law Program. I tell you more about these in the “Senior Services” section of this chapter. The center is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Programs that are federally subsidized are free, but there are charges for meals, Daybreak, and some recreational activities. The center doesn’t provide transportation, but it’s easily accessible by Citifare bus routes. If you’re driving your own car, there’s ample free parking right in front of the building.