Gillespie Center unveils new vision for engagement

Over the past six months, the Gillespie Center has undergone a strategic overhaul under the leadership of a new board and interim director, Rhonda Nelson. This period of rebranding and revitalization has culminated in the rollout of a new mission, vision, and set of values designed to ensure the center remains a focal point of the community.

The center is embracing its new vision of “a thriving community” by dedicating itself to a mission of providing a prosperous and supportive environment, culture, and space to enrich the lives of community members of all ages.

While the Gillespie Center has historically focused on retirees, according to Nelson, the new mission reflects the reality that older Americans are retiring later either by necessity or choice and emphasizes the center’s commitment to being multi-generational.

“Seniors today are different than the seniors of the past,” said Nelson. “There is now a new generation of people ages 55 to 65 who don’t necessarily view themselves as seniors.”

Within this demographic, many are juggling the responsibilities of caring for elderly parents while supporting young adults. Recognizing these diverse needs, the center is determined to offer a variety of programs and events, both old and new, while being firmly rooted in its values: Dignity, inclusion, innovation, sustainability, and trust.

The center plans to continue offering popular programs like lunches, exercise classes, speakers, and Al and Alma’s boat cruises, while also introducing new excursions and events that will cater to families. The board is also exploring the possibility of overhauling its membership structure, potentially shifting toward a supporter model.

In recent years, the center has faced a budget deficit, necessitating withdrawals from its endowment, a practice the board acknowledges as unsustainable. Notably, Orono is the only remaining city that currently provides financial support for the center’s operations within its budget allocation.

“At a high level, our one and five year goals revolve around financial solvency, increasing membership, and increasing the use of the building and attendance at our program and events,” said Nelson.

These organizational changes will coincide with an external transformation for the center as well. Later this summer, the building will undergo a makeover, with plans to repaint it light blue with white trim, a departure from its current brown exterior. Nelson noted that the center hasn’t received a fresh coat of paint since its opening in 2001.

Moreover, the center is actively enhancing not only its physical appearance but also its online presence. Construction of a new website is currently underway, and the center is also working on a new logo. The center hopes to be able to send more news out via social media and email as well.

In the coming months, the center intends to communicate further details on the changes to neighboring cities and community organizations through a roadshow accompanied by a fundraising campaign.