1997: City of Tacoma Choses FTJ To Operate Point Defiance ~ Ruston Senior Center

The Point Defiance ~ Ruston Senior Center first opened in 1987.  Started by Catholic Community Services, the Center was housed in the VFW Hall, then Bethany Presbyterian Church, before moving to its present location in 1991 at 4716 North Baltimore, about a mile from Franke Tobey Jones.  In 1998 when Catholic Community Services announced it could no longer fund the Center, and, after being approached by the City of Tacoma which owns the building, Franke Tobey Jones agreed to take over operations duties in 1998. 

Both Franke Tobey Jones and the Senior Center share common goals in providing a broad range of services to meet the health, educational, social and recreational needs of seniors of the community.  Research has shown that active seniors – physically, socially and mentally – are happier and healthier and able to live longer in their own Homes.  This is just one of the goals of this valuable community asset.

The Senior Center is a gathering place for people age 55 and better who can join in fun events and activities, stay active and healthy, make new friends and share experiences with other seniors in the local community.  Under excellent leadership of the Senior Center Director, it continues to flourish and has served thousands of seniors annually with hundreds of classes and programs.

The Senior Center is also a Catholic Community Services meal site, offering hot, nutritious meals Monday through Thursday for a suggested donation of $3.50.  Franke Tobey Jones provides a hot lunch on Fridays for the same donation.  Lunch time at the center is a time of gathering and camaraderie.

Mission

To deliver quality services that promote growth and independence among older adults in Tacoma and surrounding communities. We pursue this mission with the belief that seniors are valuable members of the community who benefit from comprehensive educational, informational, cultural, civic and social programming.

Activity Center Goals

  • Provide a strong, active and innovative activity center that engages community seniors and community partnerships
  • Design activities, classes, programs, and events to enhance quality of life and promote overall well-being
  • Support healthy nutritional and wellness habits for seniors
  • Inform, support, and encourage members to be proactive in their own lives and in the Tacoma community

Funding

Funding for the Senior Center comes in great part from donations from Center members, their families as well as grants and gifts from Pierce County and corporate and foundation donors.  These donors recognize the value of encouraging a healthy, independent lifestyle for the parents and grandparents of this community – a population that is growing each year.