Services for Senior Citizens in Sheridan County began in 1972 with the formation of a group called the “Senior Citizen's Coordinating Council”.  At that time, services specifically for seniors were virtually non-existent.  The group met once a month to determine what services were available from other organizations and what needs were not being met.

In 1973, with the passing of the Older American's Act, federal funding became available for a number of programs that would benefit people 60 years of age and older.  This same year the Coordinating Council incorporated into the private non-profit organization known as “The Sheridan Senior Center”.

After the first van was purchased in 1973, a network of services and supports developed at a quick and steady pace.  In 1975, the Sheridan City Council began supporting the organization by providing financial support and office space at the City Hall.  In 1976, the first Senior Nutrition Meal site was opened in the Salvation Army Community Center.

In 1980, the Sheridan Senior Center was built with funds from the Optional One Cent Sales Tax and private donations.  The building was expanded and remodeled in 1990 to make room for the Home-Delivered Meals and “Day Break” Programs.  In 2001, the parking lot was expanded and three new offices were built with the addition of a new Family Caregiver Program.

On June 30, 2003, construction began on the building renovation and expansion of the Sheridan Senior Center, which is located at 211 Smith Street.  On a daily basis, over five hundred people use some service provided by the Senior Center.  The organization simply was running out of space to accommodate everyone.  The Board of Directors set a campaign goal of $2 million dollars.  Due to the generosity of foundations, funds from the optional one-cent sales tax, donations, pledges and grants over $2.3 million have been raised.

The most recent expansion and remodeling project was successfully completed in July of 2004.  The construction included the addition of 5,200 square feet and major renovation of most of the building.  A new 6,000 square foot Transit Facility was also built this year to house the Senior Center's Transportation Program.

People Served
The aging population is growing not only nationally but right here in Sheridan County.  The 2000 Census shows the percentage of people 60 years of age and over is 22.9%.  That is almost double today's national average.  Sheridan is known as a retirement community not only because of the beautiful scenery and small town atmosphere, but also due to the fact that the community has comprehensive services and supports for its senior citizens.

The Sheridan Senior Center Today
The Sheridan Senior Center provides a wide range of comprehensive services to people 60 years of age and older.  Six communities are located in the 2,500 square miles that make up Sheridan County:  The City of Sheridan, the towns of Ranchester, Dayton, Clearmont, Big Horn, and Story. The Senior Center provides services in each of these communities and many places in between.

Community	Sheridan Senior Center Services
The City of Sheridan	Congregate Meals Home Delivered Meals Outreach Services Information and Referral Assistance Case Management	Transportation Recreation and Leisure Family Caregiver Services Adult Day Care
The Town of Ranchester	Home Delivered Meals  Outreach Services Information and Referral Assistance	Transportation Family Caregiver Services
The Town of Dayton	Congregate Meals Home Delivered Meals Information and Referral Assistance	Outreach Services Transportation Family Caregiver Services
The Town of Clearmont	Outreach Services Transportation	Family Caregiver Services
Big Horn	Congregate Meals Home Delivered Meals Information and Referral Assistance	Outreach Services Transportation Family Caregiver Services
Story	Congregate Meals Home Delivered Meals Information and Referral Assistance	Outreach Services Transportation Family Caregiver Services