Senior Community Services
History

Senior Community Services (SCS) is a non-profit organization that began in 1977 through the joint efforts of Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) and concerned citizens. Starting with one senior center, Good Neighbor in Darby Township, SCS has developed into a strong community organization, encompassing four multi-purpose senior centers, three neighborhood centers and a broad array of services for homebound older persons throughout Delaware County. Below is a detailed account of the agency history.

1977 Agency established

  • Started with existing "Darby Township Senior Center" and new "Ridley Center" and "Lansdowne/Yeadon Center"
  • Agency originally based at Friendship Circle (Galileo Club)
  • Care Management didn't yet exist

1980 SCS establishes Center Social Worker position (Genesis of center-based care management)

1980 SCS buys former Folsom Elementary School as new home for Schoolhouse Senior Center.

1985 SCS assumes responsibility for Chester Senior Center and Chester Towers Nutrition Sites.

1986 Senior Services Management Group (SSMG) established to manage the county's nutrition program.

1988 SCS builds new facility for Chester Senior Center

1990 In collaboration with COSA, SCS launches the Family Caregiver Support Program.

1990 Friendship Circle moves into its new and expanded facility on the Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital campus.

1991 SCS, in collaboration with COSA and Crozer Chester Medical Center, opens Open Door special needs center.

1991 SCS establishes the Hearing Discovery Center in cooperation with COSA and the Delaware County Group for the Hard of Hearing.

1991 SCS creates Center for Lifelong Learning as framework for adult education program.

1995 SCS launches comprehensive development program.

1995 SCS becomes United Way "Member Agency".

1996 SCS launches Senior Center at Home enabled by anchor grant from Pew Charitable Trusts.

1997 SCS Care Management expands scope county-wide

2001 SCS conducts Center Without Walls feasibility study funded by United Way Innovation Fund grant. Program implemented 7/2003.

2003 Good Neighbor moves into new township-sponsored facility

2004 SCS Senior Centers achieve accreditation sponsored by the National Institute of Senior Centers.

2006 SCS becomes a service provider of the Chester Housing Authority's HOPE VI senior housing revitalization initiative.

2007 SCS merges with Horizons Unlimited Geriatric Education Corporation, expanding the agency's service scope and community impact.

2008 SCS established a partnership with Episcopal Place at Park Row, a low-income adult housing complex in Upland, to provide an on-staff social worker/activities coordinator and a unique early evening congregate dining service.

2009 SCS' four senior centers receive reaccreditation from the National Institute of Senior Centers

2012 SCS increases its engagement via social media with Facebook, Twitter, and an upgraded website allowing for online class registration and donations.

2013 SCS launches Aging at Home -- A Community Network in eastern Delaware County, an initiative of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey

2015 SCS named GSK Impact Award Winner.

2020 SCS introduces SCS Online to provide programs during the pandemic.

2022 SCS named Nonprofit of the Year by Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.

From the Executive Director – no changes yet…
Welcome! Since 1977, Senior Community Services (SCS) has served seniors in Delaware County with pleasure and pride. Our hard-working, experienced staff has built tremendous capacity to improve the quality of life of Delco’s older adult population, on our own and in collaboration with partners.

Whether you coordinate care for yourself or a loved one with our Long Term Care Department or have a favorite Senior Center to visit for exercise, socialization or dancing, there is truly something for everyone at SCS. Our agency is responsive to the needs and diversity of our community, and we strive to be equitable in our approach to problems or difficulties. .

Looking to the future, an aging population will create many more challenges and opportunities for SCS. As a nationally-accredited affiliate of the National Council on Aging, I am confident that we will face more challenges in the years to come. We are operating with more efficiency and greater accountability than ever before. Through our growth of new programs, marketing initiatives, and private and public partnerships, we will meet each new endeavor and develop every opportunity to meet the needs of our consumers.

I am grateful that you are visiting our website! Now, come visit us at one of our four Senior Centers! ~Arthur Weisfeld

600 Swarthmore Ave.
Folsom, PA 19033
Phone: 610.237.8100
Email:

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