“Where there is a will, there is a way” best describes the tenacity of the seniors in the borough of Northampton. Faced with eviction and closure of the senior center at the end of June, the center attendees did not retreat and retire, but instead reorganized and rebooted.

The seniors had been meeting daily at Grace United Church of Christ. Funding provided by Northampton County was suspended from the 2026-27 county budget, effectively closing this facility at the end of the June 2026 fiscal year.

Looking for loopholes and a way to stay open, group members began researching the lease agreement between Northampton County and Grace UCC. Fortunately for this group, the church functions in calendar years, January through December, and the county functions in fiscal years, July through June.

It was the agreement drawn up by the church using the calendar year that both parties signed, giving the seniors until December to find new funding.

With the rent being paid up through December and with no other county funding, the group has remained resourceful. Replacing the county-paid director is volunteer director Natalie Becker. Grace UCC is working with the seniors on a plan for after the county lease is finished.

The county had been providing a noon meal for the seniors who attended the program. Now meals have been donated or provided at a discount by local businesses.

Northampton County no longer provides additional resources for the seniors, but the new director has found creative ways to bring the resources to the group. Northampton Area Public Library provides books and staff at the center on the third Wednesday of each month, and Becker provides activities and games for the group.

Currently, the Northampton/Grace senior social club meets 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Grace UCC, 902 Lincoln Ave., Northampton.

The group will accept donations for food, a refrigerator and a stove as these items are no longer provided by Northampton County.