Our Center offers a diverse range of exercise classes, trips, card games, sewing groups, live music, lunch, and many others! The Stilly Valley Center (SVC) is a non-profit corporation organized by North Snohomish County citizens in 1970. Its mission is to provide services to all seniors that enhance the quality of life, limit isolation and prevent a need for institutionalization. An original sponsor of the organization was the Cascade Valley Hospital (CVH) board of directors who hoped to reduce the need for medicare hospitalization. It became apparent that a larger site was needed and in 1972 the site of the Fir Crest Motel was purchased on Smokey Point Boulevard. The financing came from numerous fund raisers and a $55,000 loan from three local banks which was cosigned by CVH board of directors. Many local businesses donated materials and local seniors and others provided labor to build the present main building. Construction of the main hall was completed in 1973. In 1974, additional land was purchased with grant funds and the Annex building was constructed that houses a couple offices, the library, and the Board Room. Later the Arts & Crafts Building was constructed housing additional classrooms and was later extended to include the Food Room and other areas. Throughout this period of growth, community support and hundreds of volunteer hours have made the center a valuable community asset. Through the years the center has built three HUD buildings and one Rural Development, therefore, we have 154 units of low-income senior housing on our campus. Financing for these buildings comes from federal, state, and county agencies with mortgages paid by rents and rent subsidies. SVC staff manages and maintains these facilities and provides social services to the residents. Currently services and programs being provided at the center include: Health and Wellness services such as health prevention education, foot clinic, Caregiver Support groups, Outreach services, fitness activities, Food Bank, surplus food room and a four day meal site. Recreational activities; classes, day trips and extended trips, public bingo, pinochle, bridge, Wii bowling, movies, Friday entertainment; etc. Currently the center has over 4,000 participants and over 200 volunteers. These volunteers work with staff in many areas of the center. Funding for these activities and services come from a variety of sources; Snohomish County Human Services, the City of Arlington. We also self-generate funds through our Thrift Store, Hall Rentals, Memberships, Public Bingo games, fundraising, grants and donors. If you have not been to the Stilly Valley Center and are in our area be sure to stop in for a tour and visit.
