New Senior Center Opens in Brownsville

The City of Brownsville opens its new Brownsville Senior Center, located at 519 E. Madison Street, to better meet the needs of senior citizens in the community. The center will serve as a resource and recreational center, operated by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, offering services to educate, engage, and entertain the elderly population.

“The Brownsville Senior Center is a welcoming space that is dedicated to serving residents aged 60 and older, ensuring that they have social, recreational and physical needs met in one location,” said John Cowen, Jr., Brownsville City Mayor. “This is a great opportunity for us as a City to better meet the needs of our elderly population. The Commission, City leadership and I are very supportive of the Brownsville Senior Center as this is a testament to our commitment to improve the quality of life for this specific group of residents.”

“The Senior Center aims to foster community connections and encourage seniors to embrace an active and fulfilling lifestyle,” said Helen Ramirez, ICMA-CM, AICP, Brownsville City Manager. “The Brownsville Senior Center will serve various needs of our community. It will serve our senior citizen population, but it will also serve our veterans as there is an agency partner to the City housed there that offers utility assistance to veterans. The Center will in addition, offer cooking classes, nutritional education, various wellness programs, and so much more.”

“The opening of the Brownsville Senior Center creates a place where our seniors can find support, build friendships, and enjoy activities that enrich their lives,” said Sean De Palma, Parks and Recreation Department Director. “We are proud to provide this space for connection, wellness, and community. We look forward to serving our community here.”

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department has been working to create a resourceful, engaging program for seniors. One that allows them to connect, stay active, and truly thrive. The center’s goal is to help them get out of their homes, foster friendships, and ensure they feel valued and engaged in Brownsville.

Programming at the Brownsville Senior Center includes exercise classes such as line dancing, Tai Chi, and Tu Salud Sí Cuenta. Wellness and nutritional workshops, arts and crafts, lotería, and themed social events are also part of the lineup.

The Parks and Recreation Department is operating the Brownsville Senior Center Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, as of December 12th. Residents interested in learning more are invited to come by the center or call Senior Program Coordinator, Laura Hollbrook, at (956) 551-2314.

Parks and Recreation Department staff say they have future plans to implement a community garden at the Bike Barn, which across the street from the center, and at some point start offering hot meals for seniors. Additionally, the South Texas Afghanistan Iraq Veterans Association shares the facility, offering support to veterans.

The Brownsville Senior Center operates entirely through grant funding, without relying on City funds.