Built By The People vs. Built For The People: A Tale Of Two Senior Centers

Senior center #1 was born from a grassroots effort. Three residents in the community realized there were no senior services, no transportation options, and no places for older adults to gather and enjoy recreational activities together. Rather than waiting for someone else or a local government entity to fix the problem, they took action. They founded a small nonprofit dedicated to providing low-cost meals, transportation, and activities for local seniors. They sought out and applied for grants to fund the activities.

Fast forward ten years, and that small initiative has grown into a bustling senior center. It’s more than just a place to get a meal or play cards; it has become a true third space, a home away from home where friendships form and seniors support one another like family.

Two years ago, a larger nonprofit acquired the senior center. Seeing how successful it had become, they decided to build a second center at the other end of town. They did their research, surveying residents, gathering data, and designing a space they believed seniors would love. When the doors opened, they offered bingo, tech classes, and a few exercise programs.

But no one came.

Attendance remains low, and the reasons why are up for debate. Is there too much competition from local YMCAs and community centers? Do seniors in the area have different needs and interests? Is it a marketing issue?

It could be a mix of all these factors. I can’t help but wonder if the real reason lies in the difference between building something for people—and people building the thing they wish existed for themselves.

Senior center #1 flourished because it was built by the very people who wanted it. They were deeply invested in its success, recruiting others, organizing activities, and shaping it into a space that truly reflected their needs and desires. It wasn’t a project handed down to them, it was their own creation.

In contrast, senior center #2 was built for seniors, not by them. Even though surveys were conducted, the seniors weren’t given a role in shaping the space. And while surveys can be a useful tool, they don’t create the same sense of ownership and community.

When people are involved as co-creators, when they have a seat at the table and a voice in the process, something magical happens. They take pride in what they’ve built. They invite their friends. Word spreads, not through expensive marketing campaigns, but through genuine excitement and connection. Growth happens organically.

If we want to build thriving communities, we must stop designing for people and start building with them. Real connection, ownership, and belonging are born from shared vision and shared effort.