Gibson Center History & Story

One Millionth Meal Served

2006

Our ONE MILLIONTH MEAL was served on April 7, 2006 and was marked with a gala celebration.

Silver Lake Landing

2005

In July of 2005, the Gibson Center assumed ownership of Silver Lake Landing- a gorgeous facility on the shores of Silver Lake with 19 independent living apartments.

Serving 62000 Meals per Year

2003

More than thirty years later, the Gibson Center now serves over 62,000 meals per year. The Center is thriving from dawn to dusk with activities and community events, and we have two vans for transportation services.

New Building

2000

In 2000, a successful capital campaign enabled us to purchase our building from the Diocese of Manchester and construct a 2400 square foot addition with a new dining room and kitchen.

Board of Directors

1979

In 1979, a board of directors was created, by-laws were drawn up and Glenna Mori became the Center’s first Executive Director.

The Beginning

1973

The Gibson Center emerged from seeds planted in 1973. At that time, an ambitious group of volunteers, local churches, and the Memorial Hospital began the first senior nutrition program in the Mount Washington Valley area. It started with 12-15 seniors receiving daily meals in their homes, and eventually led to congregate meals served at churches on a rotating basis. Through the tireless efforts of Glenna Mori, the former summer home of financier and philanthropist Harvey Dow Gibson was leased from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester. The Tri-County Community Action Program was instrumental in funding kitchen and dining room construction.

We continue to pay tribute to those who laid the foundation for the Gibson Center. We carry on their vision of helping seniors in our community to be welcomed, nourished and respected. The Glenna Mori Activity Room hosts our exercise, social, and educational programs. The Kay Reed and Carroll Reed rooms provide counseling services for Veterans, computer tutoring, Medicare, Advanced Directives, and our Internet Cafe.

The Sprague Dining Room honors Charlie Sprague, an enthusiastic long time supporter of the Gibson Center and a prime example of thoughtful philanthropy in the 21st Century.

A circus parade passes by the present day Gibson Center. Circa 1900

How you're Helping

Miles driven by our buses per year for our patrons' medical appointments, trips & more.21,000

Meals On Wheels and Congregate Dinning Meals served per year.45,000

Miles per year driven by Meals On Wheels volunteers.43,000

Free laptops & Samsung tablets given away with 250 hours of computer skills training.55