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(302) 737-2336
www.newarkseniorcenter.com
MEET OUR DIRECTORS
Gertrude Johnson
Executive Director: 1967 – 1981 Gertrude Johnson came to the NSC from the Home Economics Department of the University of Delaware; she was also a member of the Soroptomist Club. The entire senior center concept was new, so the Board and staff were free to plan programs and set a course for the future. Gertrude realized the importance of offering a comfortable welcoming center. She also realized the importance of responding to the needs of seniors in the community. Gertrude had a marvelous way with people, she was gentle and kind and listened carefully and always came up with the right way to do something or the best way to get started. She set the tone for the Center; she cared about the people, all the people. During Gertrude’s time as Executive Director, membership reached 500. With growing participation from the community, the Center expanded both its staff and space. A full time secretary was the first to be hired, followed by a social worker, program director, Meals on Wheels coordinator, and many others. A mini bus was purchased to provide transportation to and from the Center, as well as, trips throughout the area. As needs increased, Gertrude led the Center in an effort to develop programs, offer lunch five days a week, and establish a Memorial Fund.
Margaret Catts
Executive Director: 1981 – 1997 Gertrude served as Margaret’s mentor; she adopted the best of what Gertrude brought to the Center. As Executive Director, Margaret Catts, also with a University of Delaware Home Economics background and a member of the Soroptomists, continued to expand the Center programs and services. Margaret had the foresight to prepare for the increasing population of seniors. She, along with the Board and many community stakeholders, raised the funding to build a new building which is still a model senior center today. With Margaret’s leadership, the facility at 200 White Chapel Drive became a reality in 1996. The $3 million building was dedicated on Sunday, May 19th 1996. The new facility offered the capacity for many new programs such as water exercise in the Gore Therapeutic Pool, a wide array programming, support groups, and wellness activities. In 1997, Margaret was honored as a “Local Hero” by MBNA. She received the award for “Excellence in Community Service” for her efforts on behalf of the Newark Senior Center and the Meals on Wheels Delaware Program.
“From the beginning, in the world of senior centers, the government had the idea that the elderly needed to be taken care of. But Newark was lucky to have focused on the social needs. Newark was far ahead of its time.”