Bringing People Together Since 1968
For generations, the Kalispell Senior Center has created a place for friendship, activity, learning and connection for seniors throughout the Kalispell community.
A Community Built Around Connection
On September 26, 1968, the Articles of Incorporation for the Flathead Association of Senior Citizens, Inc. were certified by Montana Secretary of State Frank Murray.
Membership cost just a $1 donation each year, and according to past members, the organization grew to approximately 300 seniors. The first Board of Directors included three members from Kalispell and one member each from Whitefish, Somers and Columbia Falls.
According to the Flathead Beacon, the Board initially met in the Flathead County Library before the organization eventually found a permanent gathering place.
A History of Serving Local Seniors
From early meetings at the county library to a dedicated center and eventually a new home at South Campus, each chapter helped shape the community members enjoy today.
The Association Incorporates
On September 26, 1968, the Flathead Association of Senior Citizens, Inc. officially became incorporated in the State of Montana, establishing a lasting foundation for senior community, activity and fellowship in the Flathead Valley.
Meals for Local Seniors
An amendment to the Older Americans Act provides funding for the Meals on Wheels program. Volunteers pick up meals to bring back and serve as lunch at area senior centers.
A Place to Call Home
Flathead County purchases the vacant Kalispell Assembly of God church building, creating a dedicated location for local seniors to gather, play games, enjoy meals and participate in activities.
The Story Continues
The Kalispell Senior Center continues the tradition established more than five decades ago through activities, friendships, learning and community involvement.
A Building Full of Activity
The county's purchase of the former church came with a garage, studio apartment and house, which the Association was contracted by Flathead County to maintain to lease standards.
Inside, the building provided an active gathering place for the community. The large activity area upstairs featured wood flooring and reclaimed theater chairs for seating along the walls. Downstairs was arranged for games and serving meals, with a kitchen and associated equipment.
The Association employed a cook, assistant cook, janitor and secretary to help run the operation.
Senior Communities Take Root
Whitefish and Columbia Falls seniors established their own meeting places around the same period that the Kalispell location was taking shape.
Later, in 1990, Somers seniors were able to establish a meeting place as well, according to reporting cited in the Center's historical record.
Together, these gathering places reflected a growing commitment throughout the Flathead Valley to providing seniors with spaces centered around friendship, recreation, meals and community.
Original Annual Membership
In 1968, yearly membership in the Association was available for a donation of just one dollar. Past members recall membership reaching approximately 300 seniors.
A More Accessible Home for the Future
As the years passed, maintaining the former facility became an increasing financial burden. Assistance from the Agency on Aging, fundraising activities and rental revenue helped, but the cost of maintaining the property continued to grow.
The building also did not meet modern ADA accessibility standards, creating a need for a more senior-friendly and economical facility. At the same time, the Agency on Aging was experiencing challenges in its own rental facility, known as the Old Red Barn.
Working together, the organizations were able to demonstrate to the Flathead County Commissioners that a new facility was needed for both. That effort ultimately led to the construction of the South Campus building and a new chapter in the Center's history.
More Than Five Decades of Friendship & Community
The surroundings have changed through the years, but the purpose remains familiar: bringing people together and creating opportunities to stay active, connected, curious and involved.