Our Mission, Our Story
Our story begins over 50 years ago.
In 1973, Margaret Sharp and Catherine Mealy established a center for older community members to hold meetings, socialize, plan activities, and enjoy companionship. The members met in a metal building at 311 Canby until the center began its nutrition program. To accommodate the need for more space, the center moved to 113 Ivinson. This location greatly expanded the opportunities for members as it included a commercial kitchen, lounge, dining room, and upstairs offices. The growth continued with an expansion of the property in 1983, and home delivered meals became a service of the Laramie Senior Center.
The need for services continued to grow, and in 1994, Harold Eppson, president of the board of directors, helped initiate a search for a larger building with adequate parking. That summer, Eppson used his personal funds to put a down payment on a building at 1560 N 3rd St. After two years of remodeling, the Eppson Center for Seniors opened for business on April 1,1996.
Today, the Eppson Center provides hundreds of meals a day both in center as well as to home-bound patrons. The center offers classes, activities and workshops including fitness classes, art classes, hiking groups, and community presentations. Transportation is a vital component of the Eppson Center, giving rides every weekday for free to those 60 and over, and for a small fee to those under 60. The Eppson Center provides resources, assistance, nutrition services, and social opportunities that are vital to the well-being of our community's older residents.
Still at this location after three decades, the Center remains an important part of the Laramie Community helping seniors celebrate and embrace life. We offer a diverse selection of activities, events, programs and services to fit and fulfill a wide variety of interests and needs. The Eppson Center believes our older patrons have a wealth of knowledge, experience, and value to contribute to our communities, and that everyone deserves a place to belong at all stages and phases. We're here to put the social back in your life.