The Walters Senior Citizen project was established in 1969 using Federal Title III funds.  The first  center was located in an old train depot owned by a local Catholic Church at Third and Ohio.  The Center opened at that location in October of 1970.The building filled the immediate needs of the senior citizen population but it lacked adequate heating and cooling and the building wasn’t located in the downtown area.  This motivated the group to look for another location. ​Ms. Dovie Southward, who served as the coordinator, and other interested people found the present location (111 E. Colorado) in 1973. 

 

On January 22, 1974, Ben Shackelford, Director of the Walters Senior Citizens Center entered into an escrow contract with Joe Loucks for the purchase of 111 E. Colorado as the new location for the Walters Senior Citizens Center. ​On March 4, 1974, the Walters Senior Citizens Center, Inc, a non-profit corporation, was created and bylaws established.  The corporation was governed by a five-member board of directors.  The original board consisted of Jay Smith, Ben Roberson, Ben Shackelford, Bill Kerr, and K.E. Otis.​ 

 

Remodeling of the building was accomplished by contributions from local residents, businesses and organizations. ​Prior center coordinators/directors include Dovie Southward, Don and Doyle Best, Jan and Scotty Simpson, Linda and Carl Neal and LynneAdene Thompson.

 

​In July of 2021 the Center underwent an organizational change.  A board of directors consisting of local business people was elected.  This board consists of Judge Michael Flanagan, Board President; Jamon Kelley, Board Vice-President, Sherri Flanagan, Board Secretary/Treasurer; Christian Thomas, Member and Brantley Tillery, Member.  The registered agent for the Board is Donald Hill. ​

 

The mission of the Senior Citizen Center remains unchanged from its original conception.  We continue to focus on providing the Seniors in our community with a safe, comfortable and welcoming space and promoting socialization, well-being and community engagement among senior citizens. ​​