HISTORY

OF

THE OASIS SENIOR CENTER

In the mid-1970s, a group of interested Newport Beach senior residents formed a committee to study the need of seniors and to make recommendations to the City Council regarding programs and services meeting those needs. The committee recommended the establishment of a senior center.

The Council accepted this recommendation, and using federal Human and Urban Development grants and Older American Act funds, plus the existing Carden School lease revenue, the City of Newport Beach established a senior center at its current location.

The OASIS Senior Center (Older Adult Social and Information Services) opened its doors to seniors in August 1977, initially sharing the facility with the Carden School.

Interested seniors, many of whom were active in lobbying for the senior center, established the Friends of OASIS, a non-profit California corporation. One of its specific purposes is “to provide continuing informational, social, and organizational assistance to senior citizens through the operation of a senior citizens center in conjunction with the city of Newport Beach.” Following that directive, the Friends took the lead in defining and implementing the manifold activities at the Center. (See also the Friends of OASIS Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws.) The Friends and the City Of Newport Beach also established a unique working relationship, which is currently defined in a Formal Cooperative Agreement, signed in May, 2005.

In the early years, most of the programs and services were performed by senior volunteers and with the Friends substantial financial support. As the number of senior clients grew, and the demand for programs and services expanded, the City’s role expanded as well. In the beginning, City staff at OASIS consisted of a full time clerical person, a full time maintenance person, and a recreation supervisor who was responsible for Center supervision, administration, and programming. Gradually, additional staff members were hired to meet the growing need for programs and services.

The role of Friends also expanded, with Friends providing travel services, gift shop, and several clubs, concerts, and events. Friends continues to provide substantial financial support to the transportation program and recreational activities, through the newly established Programs and Services Committee. Friends participates with the City staff in planning the annual calendar of events.