About Us
Contact Us
2037 Douglas Street Forest Grove, OR 97116 P: 503-357-2021 F: 503-357-5544 Email us: director@fgscc.org Or contact our facebook hereCenter Hours
Monday – Friday: 9 AM to 3 PM Gift Shop: 10 AM to 2 PMHistory of the Organization
Since our humble beginnings as a community club established in 1972 in the old UCC basement, we have provided services with the help, perseverance, and community of Forest Grove. The “club” moved between different churches until the mid-to late ‘70s when, with the land already owned by the city, a councilman was able to help secure a grant to build the center. In order to raise more funds, center members picked strawberries from a local producer, along with their own produce, and set up a produce stand. When a local grocer claimed our low strawberry prices were unfair, we simply switched to raspberries and continued our fund raising . Members also organized penny drives every Friday during which they brought their pennies to be donated to the center.
With the perseverance of our members and the Forest Grove community, we became an non-profit organization and opened our doors as Forest Grove Senior and Community Center at the current location. Since then, we have worked hard to provide services to our seniors as well as to the greater community, as a place to enjoy with friends and family. We have expanded our services, the staff and volunteers we call family, and the people we reach out to with your help. As a private, non-profit organization, we are supported by our local community of Forest Grove together with contributions from foundations, business, and individuals; the much appreciated volunteers that keep this place running; and the many members that make it all worth it.
Join us and welcome!
Our Involvement in the Community
Our mission, to provide opportunities for social, educational, and physical well-being to those in need, is achieved through the many activities, services, and events that we offer. Our center is a place to foster the Forest Grove community, as well as the niche communities that thrive here. A few of the ways we are involved in the community include:
A few of the ways we are involved in the community include
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Friday Morning Breakfast | A low cost meal to start your day. Choose anywhere from a small meal to a large and hearty breakfast including: hot cereal, hash browns, pancakes, bacon, sausage, fresh fruits, biscuits and grave and more. Served with fresh brewed coffee or juices |
| Free Food Market – previously known as the Oregon Food Bank | A cost effective food source for your pantry. In partnership with the Oregon Food Bank, we offer food on the last Friday of each month, 12:30-1:30 pm. Upon arrival, complete a very short registration form, then “shop” our shelves and leave with up to 2-3 bags of groceries! Please bring your own re-usable bags |
| Transportation | Get a ride to and from the Center via our partnership with Ride Connection (part of Forest Grove’s free Grove Link bus service). Also, call to set up free door to door services for seniors and people with disabilities to go most anywhere you need |
| Lunch | Offered at a low cost, in partnership with Meals on Wheels people, view menu. |
| Bingo | Our most popular event, offered 3 days a week |
| Yoga, Zumba, Tai Chi, Silver Sneakers | Activities to keep you fit |
| Craft Clubs | Knitting, crocheting, crafts, writing |
| Gift Shop | Supporting local crafters with perfect gifts for the holidays and year round; funds support the center and activities |
| Community Garden | Help out in the garden and enjoy fresh veggies, fruits, and herbs |
| Rentals | For events large and small: weddings, birthdays, reunions; large dining hall, back rooms, yard, and kitchen available |
| Medical Equipment | For those needing a little help, we loan out crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, and more for free. We are looking for donations of additional medical equipment as well . |
| Volunteers | Our community comes out to help often, you can too! |
| Computer Area | Offering computers, and some instruction, for your computer needs |
Our Board of Directors
The Forest Grove Senior and Community Center is governed by a volunteer board of directors that guides our mission and vision and supports the organization through their philanthropic efforts. Our board members are dedicated to ensuring that the mission of the organization is executed. We are currently accepting applications for Board of Director members.
Please join us in thanking our esteemed board members for their time and dedication to our work.
Jeff Duyck
President
Jeff is currently retired and has lived in Forest Grove for 26 years. He serves on the board to give back to the community, and seeks to enlarge and modernize the facilities, and stabilize the money end of the center. The good things the center does for the community and the services it offers are the best things about the FGSCC, according to Jeff.
Adam Kolb
Vice President & Secretary
Adam works for TTM Technologies and has been a Grover for 9 years. After volunteering at events, he put his skills to use on the board. His favorite aspect are the people, “everyone here is here for a common purpose to serve the folks of our community.” His goals are to continue the traditions here, achieve financial stability and see the center contribute back to the community.
Janet Anderson
Treasurer
Janet is currently retired and has lived in Forest Grove for 52 years. She serves on the board to help her community as a volunteer. She says the best thing about the center are the people and volunteer opportunities. She wants to see more events and services offered in the center’s future.
Ralph Brown
Ralph’s Bio coming soon.
Avonne Dressler
Avonne is retired and moved from Portland in 1980. The best thing about the FGSCC is the way they take care of the elderly members. “It is like an extended family. They are interested in each one of us and make us feel special.” She seeks to increase the day trips planned, and to “keep doing the good work they are doing.”
Jeff Marsh
Jeff’s bio coming soon
Herb Howell
Herb’s bio coming soon
Sharon Olmstead
Sharon’s BIO coming soon.
Laura Norton
Laura’s BIO coming soon
Testimonials
“My favorite thing about it is that it serves so many types of people. Different crowds come for all different events and it is all inclusive.”
“Uplifting, Need-Meeting, Visionary”
“The Mayor’s Dinner allows the City Council an up close example of the Center’s work, and gives the community a look at the City Council’s buy in.”
Our Community Partners
No senior will go hungry or experience social isolation
Access to transportation means mobility, mobility equals independence
