Northern Wake Senior Center
Message from Mayor Vivian Jones
Since 1994 the Northern Wake Senior Center (NWSC), 235 E. Holding Ave., has offered members of our aging community a place to come together to connect - and enrich and enhance their mind, body, and spirit.
The Town of Wake Forest owns the facility and the land on which it sits. Throughout our partnership with Resources for Seniors, we have maintained the facility and the land, while they provided operational support and programming, including an impressive array of educational classes and social events.
A non-profit organization, Resources for Seniors for many years had a similar arrangement with the Town of Wendell for the Eastern Wake Senior Center and Wake County for the Whitaker Mill Senior Center.
When these partnerships began, Wake County’s population was just over 426,000. Today, it stands at close to 1.2 million. Of that total, approximately 270,000 are aged 55 and older with more relocating here every day. Needless to say, we live in one of the most popular areas in the United States.
Over time, the surge in Wake County’s retirement-age population began to place a serious financial strain on Resources for Seniors’ ability to operate multiple full-service senior centers. A few years ago, they informed us that they would eventually be unable to satisfy the growing demand for programming or continue providing sufficient operational support. They would instead focus on their model of providing resources and service coordination to all the senior centers in Wake County.
Although we responded by increasing our financial support for Resources for Seniors, we recognized that it was only a matter of time before we’d have to assume full responsibility for the NWSC.
And we weren’t alone.
One by one, other Wake County cities and towns, including Garner, Cary, Raleigh, Apex, and Morrisville, began opening and supporting their own senior centers. Then, earlier this year, Resources for Seniors turned over the operational and programming responsibilities for the Eastern Wake Senior Center to the Town of Wendell.
Beginning July 1, 2025, Wake Forest will assume those same responsibilities for the NWSC. Resources for Seniors will continue to provide service coordination and human services efforts here, as has been their county-wide model and commitment to other town-operated senior centers. Read more>>
Age-Friendly Community Survey
In July 2024, the Town of Wake Forest joined AARP’s Network of “Age-Friendly” States and Communities. A city, town, or rural area that is “age-friendly,” is one that helps people live easily and comfortably in their homes and communities as they age. That means access to affordable housing, transportation options, health care, opportunities for social engagement, the ability to walk and bike and much more.
Now, Wake Forest is seeking public input on ways to ensure Wake Forest remains welcoming and livable for people as they age. From now through December 31, community members of all ages are invited to complete our Age-Friendly Community Survey.
Hard copies of the survey are available at the Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave., and Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.
The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and asks about your needs for transportation, housing, healthcare, community, and more. Your responses will help Wake Forest prioritize programs that meet the greatest needs of older adults in our community.
You are also invited to submit any questions or concerns using the "Share Your Feedback" form on Engage Wake Forest.
Northern Wake Senior Center
The Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave., offers adults age 55 and older a full schedule of recreational activities, such as aerobics, line dancing, ballroom dancing, wood carving, painting, and craft making.
We also offer:
A multi-purpose activity center
Qualified staff and instructors
Active and independent seniors 55 years of age and older
A welcoming and friendly atmosphere
Monthly social events
Educational classes on a variety of subjects, including computers, ceramics, and clay.
Resources for Seniors
Programming at the Northern Wake Senior Center is provided by Resources for Seniors, Inc. The organization serves senior and disabled adults in Wake County by providing home- and community-based services and information, thereby allowing them to maximize their choices for independence, comfort, safety, security and well-being.
Through its commitment to excellence in service and care for individuals and their families, Resources for Seniors provides information and support for decision-making, and also direct services such as home care, adult day care, senior centers, home repair, and more.
How to Become a Member
We're always excited to welcome new members to the Northern Wake Senior Center.
Becoming a member is easy. You must be at least 55 years old and a current resident of Northern Wake County.
Our onboarding process includes a welcome video, member registration paperwork, and a tour of our facility, which we offer Monday-Friday, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
For more information on becoming a member, call 919-554-4111.
Programs, Activities & Classes
Senior Center Dispatch
Introduced in July 2024, the Senior Center Dispatch is a monthly e-newsletter featuring the latest news and information on important issues facing seniors and their families.
Each edition includes articles on a variety of topics of interest, while also highlighting special events, classes, resources, and services offered at the Northern Wake Senior Center.
The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to offer the Senior Dispatch via E-Notifier - the Town of Wake Forest's free email subscription service.
Recent Editions
Directions to the NWSC
From Raleigh: take Capital Boulevard North. Turn right onto US 1A. Turn right onto East Holding Avenue. Cross the railroad tracks. Center is on the left across from the post office.
Senior Center Renovation & Expansion
In June 2018, construction on a new and improved 18,000-square-foot facility began. The center re-opened on February 3, 2020.
In addition to an expanded site area, more than 50 new parking spaces and an additional driveway entrance/exit, the renovated and expanded NWSC includes a new entrance vestibule, the addition of exercise and multi-purpose rooms and the replacement of the roof.
A 2014 Wake Forest Bond Referendum initiative, the NWSC renovation and expansion was completed in February 2020 at a total cost of approximately $4 million.
