Jacob Dimond / jake@yelmonline.com
During a Yelm City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 24, Jeanie James, volunteer executive director at Yelm Senior Center, took to the podium for a special presentation and to thank the City of Yelm for its support of the senior center throughout recent years.
According to Mayor Joe DePinto, the Yelm Senior Center received $24,000 from the city for operations funding in 2025. The senior center receives annual contributions from the City of Yelm. Aside from the city’s contributions, the center operates on contributions and member fees to keep operations running.
“The Yelm Senior Center is grateful for the financial support we receive from the City of Yelm. The center operates on membership dues, donations and fundraisers,” James said. “Without the support from our city, I don’t believe we would remain open. As the center is run completely by volunteers, all funds received go toward monthly expenses, insurances and maintenance costs.”
James noted that Yelm Senior Center has run into a fair share of mishaps around the facility. Recently, the organization had to replace a ductless HVAC unit at a cost of $5,700. Additionally, a walk-in cooler refrigerator that stopped working last week will cost $6,597 in repairs.
Yelm Senior Center sits on a large lot that is in “constant need of upkeep” from weeding, to mowing, to trimming trees. The center has recently purchased equipment to assist with the upkeep and has seen different groups within the community lend a helping hand with the yard work.
“I often wonder what the planners had in mind when it was designed. Did they consider we are a senior facility, and the ones who would be taking care of it? In the last year, we’ve been able to purchase a riding lawn mower, weed eater, blower and battery operated mower,” James said. “We’re grateful for the Yelm High School football team, Windermere and other community members and organizations who have donated their time and resources to help with the yard work. Our equipment was used by them and will enable us to attempt to keep up the yard in between times. We want our center to look inviting to those who come and visit and join.”
James also took some time to reflect on what the Yelm Senior Center means to its members. She read several handwritten notes from those who attend the center, and then read her own statement on how important the location is to her.
“The center gives me a sense of purpose. I know this is where God planted me. It’s my life, and as long as I believe I’m making a difference, I will stay,” James said. “Members become friends, and we can never have too many of them. Thank you for the opportunity to speak.”
Councilor Stephanie Kangiser, who has volunteered at Yelm Senior Center, thanked James for her efforts in ensuring the organization makes a difference in the Yelm community.
“I just want to personally thank you for being there. I have stopped by many times over, and I know you don’t like this kind of recognition at all,” Kangiser said. “You’re doing a great job, and clearly that shows.”
DePinto added, “Jeannie is very humble, but she shows a lot of leadership for that senior center. I think I speak for the rest of the council when I say thank you. We appreciate you.”
