Mission Statement
The Edward A. Myerberg Senior Center, a voluntary, non-profit, non-sectarian organization, is dedicated to providing quality services and programs to senior adults residing in northwest Baltimore. The Center's mission is to meet the emotional, social, recreational and educational needs and interests of this group.
History
The Edward A. Myerberg Senior Center was originally incorporated as the Northwest Senior Center in January 1976. Two gentlemen, the late Nathan Polski and the late Oscar Holzman, who were members of a northwest Baltimore AARP Chapter, went to visit then Mayor William Donald Schaefer with an idea to create a drop-in center for neighborhood retirees. The city responded by co-sponsoring the establishment of just such a facility in a storefront on Reisterstown Road, below Patterson Avenue. In these early years, the Center operated with a Director and senior volunteers and a small Board of Directors led by President Gloria Harris. The National Council of Jewish Women, Baltimore Section, was another founding organization that provided some funding and in-kind services.
The Center steadily out grew its storefront. A trailer was added and then a rental property across the street became available. It, too, was secured and a move was made. Shortly thereafter, two doors down from the Center, another storefront became available and was secured.
A few educational classes, knitting and ceramics were added through cooperative arrangements with area community colleges. Art classes were also made available. As the number of senior citizens in the community grew, so did the need for services, information and assistance. Interest in the senior center boomed.
The Northwest Senior Center grew out of yet another leased facility. State bond monies became available for the renovation of buildings to become multipurpose senior centers. Where no suitable buildings existed, State bond funds could be used to finance new construction of senior centers.
While this process was taking place, the Center lost its lease. It made an interim move inside Reisterstown Plaza. Programs continued in the 2400 square feet of space.
On March 1, 1989, the Northwest Senior Center opened the doors of its new facility at 3101 Fallstaff Road. The ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore had secured a significant contribution from the late Clara Myerberg and Alvin Myerberg. The Center changed its name to the Edward A. Myerberg Northwest Senior Center.
In June, 1989, a formal dedication of the building was held. Membership tripled as new programs were adopted. Jewish Family Services added the in-kind services of a social worker.
The Senior Center completed a strategic plan in 1997. Discussions began with CHAI (Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc.) with a view toward using the land behind the center for senior housing and an expansion of the Center. In 1998, groundbreaking for Weinberg Woods and the expansion took place. The expansion included a 4000 square foot multipurpose room, a new library and computer center and art gallery. In 1999, the Center's expansion was complete and the adjacent Weinberg Woods Senior Housing opened its doors.
Today, the Edward A. Myerberg Senior Center is a one-story 20,000 square foot building on 2.2 acres. The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Fitness Center hours are Sunday 9am-2pm, Monday-Thursday 8am-1pm and Wednesday evenings from 6pm-9pm. G Cafe Hours are Monday-Thursday 8am-2pm.