As you get older, it seems like your circle gets smaller. Kids and family grow up and move away. Friends and older relatives pass on. It’s easy to start feeling alone, bored or depressed. What started out as a social and recreational group in 1975 is now a leader in our community when it comes to giving seniors a community of their own. Battle Ground Senior Citizens is a beacon in our community and definitely worthy of the recent 100 Women Who Care Southwest Washington award.
The first meeting was for a committee to plan a new senior center, shares Sharon Wodtke, Battle Ground Senior Citizens president. Among those first members was Mary Baran, senior achievement coordinator for the City of Battle Ground and Hershal McDowell, who was the first chairperson and later the first president of Battle Ground Senior Citizens.
Battle Ground Senior Citizens Has Changed With the Times to Fit Needs
When asked if the mission has changed much since 1975, Sharon gives a resounding, “Yes!” She explains that as senior citizens’ needs have changed, so has their nonprofit, to continue to serve seniors the best they can.
“The Mission Statement has changed a great deal since 1975, right along with the world,” she adds. The current mission statement is: “BGSC coordinates and manages programs for Battle Ground and nearby rural areas, giving seniors the opportunity to join their strength with other seniors by providing continued health and educational enrichment, social, cultural and recreational activities, and an ongoing, active presence in the community.”
Today, the aging Baby Boomers and Greatest Generation have led to a large number of senior citizens. More seniors means more need for Battle Ground Senior Citizens’ programs, which provide socialization, activity, wellness support and more.
“There are many more seniors now needing social connections and resources than before,” shares Sharon. “Socialization is profoundly important for seniors’ mental, emotional and physical well-being. Regular social interaction helps older adults avoid loneliness and isolation, which are linked to a wide range of serious health risks, including a higher risk of heart disease, dementia, and premature death.”
Senior Programs Near Battle Ground
The important work Battle Ground Senior Citizens does is free, with no membership or required fees that may block access. “We are a nonprofit that is not supported by any entity or government assistance, so we rely completely on grants and donations,” shares Sharon. “We set out a donation receptacle to accept whatever donation a senior is able to make at every activity to help offset some of the expenses. Anyone over 50 years of age may attend any of our events. At that time, they can sign up to receive our monthly newsletter and calendar, and be considered a participant.”
Activities are varied – there is something for everyone! From stitching and crafts to social lunches and fitness activities. Lunches and special events for holidays and other occasions are also on their calendar. Education events that help seniors learn, as well as support groups, including bereavement meetings, happen too. All events, except the monthly luncheon, are held at the Battle Ground Senior Center (116 NE 3rd Avenue, Battle Ground). The luncheon has outgrown the senior center and takes place at the Battle Ground Event Center. They accommodate about 200 seniors at each lunch!
“We are a very fun, active group who loves to make new friends and also give back to the community,” shares Sharon. “We have a food drive every month at the luncheon, which goes to our North County Community Food Bank. We partner with businesses and nonprofits to serve veterans and seniors in need throughout the year.”
If seniors need help getting to activities, they can connect with Community in Motion for free transport, Sharon says. Those who live in the Battle Ground city limits can also use the C-Trans Current. It’s new and only charges 60 cents a destination, she adds.
100 Women Who Care SW Washington Award
Recently, Battle Gound Senior Citizens was the 4th Quarter 2025 recipient of charitable funds from 100 Women Who Care Southwest Washington. In total, they will be receiving approximately $16,000. “The board will be discussing our financial expenses and we hope to fill needs within some of our activities,” Sharon adds. “Our largest and most important expense is the monthly luncheon. It is imperative we are able to feed 200 seniors a quality meal, provide education, entertainment and socialization each month. We will return to the 100 Women Who Care of SW Washington’s first quarter meeting and speak about how the funds will be spent and the impact they have made for our organization.”
Get Involved in Battle Ground Senior Citizens
As a local nonprofit, they are grateful for any donations or volunteers! “As we mentioned, we are not funded by any group or entity,” says Sharon. “We are grateful to individuals and businesses who donate to our organization to help with expenses of running activities, education and a monthly meal.”
Businesses interested in their sponsorship program can contact Lori Lindberg at battlegroundseniorcitizens@gmail.com. Aside from monetary donations, they also love in-kind donations and have an Amazon Wish List. Things like postage stamps, paper plates, napkins, etc., are always needed.
Volunteers help with reminder/check-in calls, greeters at activities and servers at the luncheon. Servers must have a food handler’s card.
Visit the Battle Grounds Senior Citizens website and sign up for their monthly newsletter.
