Who We Are

The Janet Goeske Center is supported and managed by the Janet Goeske Foundation (JGF) a non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation. JGF is committed to enriching the quality of life of those 50 and older in the community we serve, while maintaining the highest level of advocacy and providing health and wellness programs. With its central location and large size “The Center” is a great venue for the programming and resources provided by JGF.

 

About The Center

Janet Goeske, our founder and namesake, fought to improve the lives of senior citizens well into her eighties. Her tireless efforts led to many accolades over the years including the construction and dedication of Riverside’s Janet Goeske Senior Center. On May 18, 1984 the Janet Goeske Center opened its doors to the local senior community with 12,000 square feet of space for seniors including meetings, games, arts and crafts, billiards, card room, kitchen, dance hall, lounge area, lunch room, and administrative offices. Averaging 16 weekly activities and a 4 page newsletter, the whole place operated with just 1 Director & 3 Part Time Staff.

As programming and attendance at The Center continued to grow it became obvious that her physical space must also expand, so it did. In 2003, she more than DOUBLED her size to 25,000 square feet, adding a second auditorium, complete gymnasium, two administrative office, and two meeting rooms. The expansion also granted access to a tennis courts and swimming pool at the Goldware Senior Housing complex next door.

The Center has now been serving the senior community for over 33 years! Hosting over 200 weekly activities, publishing a 20 page monthly magazine/newsletter called “The Pacesetter”, and operating 7 days per week (nearly double the hours of other local senior centers). All our offerings are overseen by 1 Director, 3 Full Time Staff, 2 Part Time Staff and over 300 community supporters who volunteer 30,000+ hours each year.