www.newarkseniorcenter.com
(302) 737-2336
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K. Jean Willia ms
Executive Director: 1997-2006 Jean Williams came to the Center with a broad base of experience in the non-profit sector as a supervisor, implementer, planner and fund developer. She previously worked at Family and Workplace Connection and the Chesapeake Bay Girl Scout Council. Jean has a B.S. in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and attained the Certificate of Non-Profit Management through the Center for Community Research & Service in the School of Public Policy and Administration at University of Delaware. During Jean Williams’ time as Executive Director, she worked to develop a strategic plan for the future. Concerned with increasing awareness in the greater Newark area, Jean developed a Communications and Volunteer Coordinator position, in addition to an Education Council. Dances, birthday parties, art classes and short weekly trips were added to the Center’s schedule of events. A generous bequest by Warner Perry, enabled the Center to expand the newly built facility. Again, responding to the needs of the membership, an education wing, fitness center and additional capacity in the food services area were constructed. Added space allowed for the development of a Computer Club and a new variety of exercise classes. The Center soon surpassed 4,000 members, serving 300 people each day. Jean spearheaded the effort to become the first and only nationally accredited senior center in the state of Delaware. The National Institute of Senior Center accreditation was earned in 2003. The NSC became a model senior center in Delaware, and also gained national recognition.
Carla Grygiel
Executive Director: 2006 – Present Carla brings diverse experience to the Center. She has worked for Fortune 500 companies as well as INC. 100 companies. Carla Grygiel has also worked with various non-profits throughout the Newark community. Carla holds a B.A. in Chemistry and Economics from Washington and Jefferson College and a Masters of Administrative Science from Johns Hopkins University. As Executive Director, Carla works diligently to meet the growing needs of the Newark Senior Center. A major focus has been on the stewardship of the facility. During the past 10 years, the Center has: replaced the roof, updated HVAC equipment, replaced furnishing and carpeting, renovated the pool and expanded the food services area. Local foundations, businesses and individuals have invested more than $1.3 million in the facility. With more than 75,000 visits to the Center each year, keeping a welcoming, safe facility is a priority for Carla and her staff. Under Carla’s leadership, the Center developed an Early Memory Loss program in 2015. The NSC offers the 2nd program of this nature in the state of Delaware. In 2016, the program will expand to meet the growing demand in the community. During the past 10 years, the Center has also been re-accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers in 2008 and 2013. This level of achievement has been made possible by a very talented and dedicated staff, committed volunteers and ongoing investment by community stakeholders.
** Carla, Jean and Margaret had a conversation about the history of the center. Quotes from this meeting are highlighted throughout this newsletter **