A Place to Grow

After more than 40 years of operating out of a city-owned building on land leased from the Canby School District, the Canby Adult Center is entering a new chapter. The center recently acquired a new property from the Canby United Methodist Church that offers long-term stability and room to grow — something the previous location couldn’t guarantee.

The new site is a former church campus that brings much-needed upgrades. It features ample parking, generous green space, and an exercise room three times the size of the current one. The remodeled sanctuary will serve as a large multipurpose room capable of hosting fitness classes, performances, and community events. Partnerships with existing tenants Canby United Methodist Church, Iglesia Apostolica, and the Canby Community Pre-School will help create a shared space that serves the broader Canby community.

The center’s mission is to help older adults age with dignity and wellness. Programming has evolved alongside generational shifts. Baby boomers have brought new energy and expectations — especially in areas such as health, education, and recreation. Evidence-based fitness classes focus on balance, strength, and fall prevention to enhance overall well-being. Education sessions on topics such as estate planning, travel, and dental care consistently draw large crowds. Day trips include outings to museums, plays, and local farms.

The heart of Canby Adult Center is its meals program. Lunch is served in the dining room four days a week, and volunteers deliver more than 35,000 meals each year to homebound residents. The new building will feature a larger kitchen and dining area to accommodate increased demand, provide space for new menu options, and host special meal events throughout the year.

Affordability remains a core belief of Canby Adult Center. All primary services, such as lunch, transportation, classes, and speakers are free for adults over 60. The center’s transportation fleet includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles and works in tandem with Canby Area Transit’s dial-a-ride service.

Volunteers and donors sustain much of the center’s work. More than 1,000 volunteer hours are logged each month and cover everything from meal delivery to front desk support. Long-standing donor support and a legacy gift have strengthened the center’s operations, but with the move, those operations now depend on a successful capital campaign.

The center aims to raise $3 million to complete the remodel. Community support — through donations, sponsorships, and advocacy — will help secure a permanent home that’s built to last. Once complete, the new facility will serve not only as a hub for older adults but also as a designated emergency shelter for the northwest Canby area.

Want to get involved? Seniors, volunteers, and donors all have a place at Canby Adult Center. To find out more about their programs, the new building, or ways to get involved, visit www.canbyadultcenter.org. You can also visit their current location at 1250 Ivy Street in Canby or call 503-266-2970 to be part of the Canby Adult Center’s future.

Whether you join, volunteer, or give, you help older adults in our community stay active, independent and connected.