The Argyle Senior Citizens Organization has a new kind of identity—and wants to attract more members.
In September, the organization relaunched as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a celebration announcing the new status and with a new board. The first board meeting was in September.
The background
Organization Vice President Sherri Myers said the group used to be under the town’s umbrella. Myers, who used to be a council member in Argyle, said the board decided to separate from the town and become a nonprofit. The group now holds its meetings at the community room at the Southwest Courthouse, 6200 Canyon Falls Drive in Flower Mound, where the senior group offers monthly luncheons.
“We are completely in control of what we want to do, how we want to do it, and how it’s funded,” she said, explaining the changes afoot with the organization.
Zooming in
She said the group averages about 50 seniors participating in activities, but now that the group is no longer under the town’s umbrella, and with the change of location, the group can expand its reach, Myers said.
Deep connections exist with Argyle ISD, Myers said, and interest is developing from some seniors who live in the area, as the senior group allows people to join the group.
“And we’ve got a lot of new folks that have moved here following their kids and grandkids, and they really haven't had a place to connect, so we’re hoping to open up that opportunity where they feel like they can connect with a local senior group,” she said, noting there is not a senior citizen community center in this particular area.
What you need to know
The group tries to meet at 11 a.m to 2 p.m. on the second Friday of the month. The group has a Facebook page, and it seeks to give back to the community.
“Each month, we’ve kind of been looking at things that we can do to not only be served but serve,” she said.
She said the group has been involved in toy and food drives.
“We are participating in the first cookie crawl that Argyle is throwing through the Lions Club,” she said.
The crawl is Nov. 18, and Myers added that the group participated in the Argyle Homecoming parade. The group will partner with the fire department on the cookie crawl.
Myers said the group has to raise money to support itself, and a donor will match money up to $10,000. The group is halfway there, she said.
“Right now, our goal is to connect to the community and create a space for anybody that is looking to connect,” she said. “We are pretty much open to Denton County. We don’t have an age limit, although 50-plus is [fine].”
She said anyone who is disabled and doesn’t have a place to go is welcome to join the senior group, which expects to be more involved in the community with activities, including special activities, and charity actions. Her group wants to find ways to give back, she said.
