For more than 50 years, the Mid-County Senior Center has been a cornerstone for adults seeking community and connection in Santa Cruz County. Founded in 1970 and moving to its current location in 1974, the nonprofit has grown into a vibrant activity center offering a wide range of programs.
The center provides activities designed to engage the mind, body, and spirit. Members can participate in singing, dancing, and theatrical performances. Specialized classes, including Japanese flower arranging, memoir writing, and music appreciation, are offered throughout the year. There are games, and clubs like the Photo Club, Book Club, Ukulele Jam Club, and Nineties Club give participants even more opportunities to socialize and have fun.
“We are not sponsored by any government agency,” said Bella Hughes, vice president of the center’s board of directors. “We’re a really friendly group.”
Hughes said visitors feel welcome before they even walk in. It’s in a great location, near Nob Hill Grocery, and has plenty of parking.
Fitness and wellness programs are a central part of the center. Senior Physical Fitness sessions focus on maintaining strength and stability through both seated and standing exercises, while Senior Stretch classes target flexibility, balance, and fall prevention using weights, straps, and bands. Gentle yoga, Tai Chi, and other movement classes provide options suitable for a variety of physical abilities.
“These things are really necessary for the people here, many who are over 80,” said Ana Alvarez, the center’s coordinator. “Every day you need to move. We have exercise programs at all levels. Whatever your ability, it’s important for seniors to keep moving.”
The center also hosts a variety of social events, from St. Patrick’s Day dinners and breakfast fundraisers to barbecues and live music nights. Beyond entertainment, MCSC serves as a community resource, acting as a pickup site for the weekly Grey Bears’ Brown Bag food program and hosting Project Scout, an annual tax preparation program for seniors. Hughes said people love to visit.
“We even have tourists stop by sometimes,” Hughes said. “It’s a great place to meet friends. It’s very social. In the springtime we have barbecues, and for 4th of July. Everybody is invited. You don’t have to be a member. We are very friendly here,” she said.
MCSC operates entirely through volunteer support. Members are encouraged to share ideas, lead activities, attend meetings, and help on committees that manage it. The board of directors, elected by members, oversees operations and meets monthly to guide the center’s direction.
The center is currently seeking volunteers to help in multiple areas. Current needs include instructors for conversational Spanish, music appreciation, and Tai Chi, as well as receptionists and cashiers for dances, Bingo, and other events.
“We love the receptionists who volunteer and we need more. They’re the core,” said Hughes. “The whole place runs on volunteers.”
MCSC depends on donations, fundraisers, membership fees, and hall rentals to sustain its programs. The nonprofit does not receive government funding and is not affiliated with any political, religious, or governmental organization. Tax-deductible donations help fund activities, maintain facilities, and support community programs. The center also offers commemorative bricks in the Tribute Patio garden for members wishing to leave a lasting legacy.
Hughes said the future of the center is bright, but it could use more members. Current membership is at 625.
“That’s good, but we’d still like more,” she said.
Hughes said she got involved with the senior center because she was just bored and wanted something to do. She went in and saw a group playing cards who invited her to join in. Now she’s hooked and is there most days doing something. She said nothing is more important for seniors than to keep active, not only physically, but socially.
“They are finding that isolation can actually kill you. Not having people to talk to or even to look at or see, it shortens your life span,” Hughes said. “So down at the senior center, we visit and do a lot of laughing. We really do.”
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For more information on membership, classes, or rentals, visit www.mcsc-capitola.org or call 831-462-2433.