Dexter Senior Center Reports Growth, Expanding Reach

Council hears how membership, programs and regional participation have grown while weighing a $70,000 funding request

The Dexter Senior Center has more than doubled its membership, expanded programming and become a regional hub for older adults since moving into its new Baker Road facility a year ago, Executive Director Anna Pekrul told the Dexter City Council on July 13.

Following the presentation, the council approved $70,000 in city funding for the senior center for the 2026-27 fiscal year, continuing the city’s financial partnership with the organization.

Pekrul said the past year marked a turning point in the organization’s 55-year history.

“When I was here in March, I shared about the really tremendous year that Dexter Senior Center had in 2025, which was the most significant year in our 55-year history,” Pekrul said. “Most obviously because of our move into the new facility. We just celebrated one year in the facility last week.”

She described the transition as “a rebirth” for the organization.

More Than a Gathering Place

Pekrul reminded council members that the center’s mission extends beyond recreation.

“I first just wanted to again touch on why Dexter Senior Center exists, and really why any senior center exists, which is to provide a place for older adults where they can be seen, understood, and connected with one another,” she said. “For many, the senior center is the difference between them becoming isolated in their communities or staying engaged.”

The center now offers a wide range of activities, including fitness classes, art instruction, language groups, card games, educational presentations, day trips and a meal program.

According to the center’s annual report, 865 members participated during 2025, a 100% increase over the previous year. The center also served 10,000 meals, hosted 650 fitness classes, an 81% increase, and averaged 77 visitors each day. During the last six months of 2025 alone, participants logged 9,500 program and service visits. Health and aging services accounted for 40% of visits, followed by social and recreational activities (38%), arts and enrichment (17%), and nutrition programs (5%).

The most popular activities among Dexter residents include social visits, Strength & Stretch, cardio drumming, Seniors Obtaining Strength (SOS), bingo, circuit workouts, chair yoga, floor yoga, crafts and Mahjong.

Growing City Participation

Pekrul said participation by Dexter residents continues to rise.

“As of July 1st, 31% of all older adults in the city are members of Dexter Senior Center,” she said. “We’re approaching a third of all older adults in the city being members.”

The report shows city membership has climbed from 280 members in January to 310 by July 1, while 316 WAVE transportation rides were provided to or from the center during 2025.

Overall membership now extends well beyond the city. As of July 6:

• 30% of members live in the City of Dexter.
• 22% come from Scio Township.
• 16% live in Webster Township.
• 14% are from Dexter Township.
• 6% live in Ann Arbor or Ann Arbor Township.
• 5% come from Lima Township.
• The remaining 7% represent residents from 29 other communities.

The report notes that 82% of members come from the four municipalities that financially support the center.

Budget Reflects Larger Operation

The center’s 2026 operating budget totals $485,000, an increase of 36% from the previous year. Pekrul said the growth reflects a larger facility, expanded staffing and significantly higher participation.

“Our budget for the year is $485,000… based off of the fact that we now have two full-time staff members and four part-time staff members, plus the just huge growth in membership, I feel that a 36% budget increase is reasonable for the growth that we’ve seen,” Pekrul explained.

The presentation also notes that roughly 40% of the center’s budget comes from the Washtenaw County Older Persons Millage, with the remaining 60% supported through municipal contributions, grants, sponsorships, donations and membership dues.

For 2026, the center’s goals include becoming a dementia-friendly senior center, expanding senior nutrition services, modernizing programs, broadening activities for today’s older adults and increasing outreach to isolated seniors.

During the council discussion, Pekrul said one of the biggest challenges isn’t affordability (the annual membership fee is $35 with scholarships available) but convincing younger retirees the center is for them.

“I would say one of the biggest barriers we have in this community is folks who don’t believe they’re old enough to come to the senior center,” she said. “I am working very hard to try and make sure that we’re capturing those who are in the younger old crowd.”