MINNEAPOLIS - Nestled away in the downtown Minneapolis skyway, it's book club day at the Skyway Senior Center.
“The best part of the center is, it's like a little social club,” says Don Leners.
“When there's parties, you should come then. There's lots of people here,” laughs Elaine Anderson.
Since 2001, the center has given seniors of all ages, incomes and backgrounds a place to gather for free five days a week.
“This place is beautiful,” says Charles Battle.
But it's now all at risk of going away. Last year the center's lost its main funding partner, UCare.
If more money doesn't come in, the center can only make it through the end of the year.
“It would be devastating,” says Patty Bowler of the Minneapolis Health Department.
The Minneapolis Health Department oversees the center. Bowler says Ryan Companies doesn't charge the center rent, but they rely on funding to cover the annual budget of around $175,000.
“There's really not another operation like this downtown that serves such a wide variety of seniors,” Bowler says.
For everything from zumba to book club, around 75 people walk through the door every day.
To keep it open, the search for funding partners is underway as we speak.
“I remain hopeful, but I can't predict the future,” says Bowler.
You can donate online to help support the Skyway Senior Center: https://www.givemn.org/organization/the-friends-of-the-skyway-senior-center-incorporated
The center also accepts checks at the following address:
Friends of the Skyway Senior Center
950 Nicollet Mall, Ste. 290
Minneapolis, MN 55403