Senior Centers have as their major objective the enhancement of life functioning through the provision of social and health services, opportunities for interpersonal relationships and development of leadership and coping skills, and access to other needed community services. While most older persons do not require all of the services offered at any given time, the availability of such services when needed is a critical factor for helping older persons maintain their independence in the community and postpone or avoid inappropriate institutionalization.

Senior Centers are focal points for the local community to serve their older adults. These Activity Centers provide a place where seniors can socialize, maintain involvement with their community and enrich their lives through education, activities and entertainment. Membership is free and open to residents of Jefferson Parish who are 60+.

Jefferson Council on Aging has 11 senior centers that include congregate dining or nutrition sites located throughout Jefferson Parish. Seniors 60 years of age and older, along with their spouses—regardless of age—can enjoy a fun time of fellowship and games as well as a hot lunch at any of our sites. Each Senior Center/Congregate Dining Site has a different group of people who participate in various games and projects.

The senior centers offer a variety of activities including domino games, card games, aerobic and exercise classes, wellness programs, crafts and bingo at various times during the week or month. Some seniors offer ceramics, sewing, computer classes and choral and dance classes. Persons who wish to apply for the Share the Warmth and Helping Hands emergency utility assistance programs can do so at any senior center. Seniors who wish to obtain an emergency 911 cellular telephone (J-HELP: Jefferson Handy Emergency Line Phone) may also make application for these at their local senior center. Also JCOA has a wellness program called “Healthy Aging University” that provides structured wellness and exercise programs at several of the senior centers. For information on various Healthy Aging University activities and schedules contact wellness@jcoa.net.

Almost all activities rely on volunteers to deliver the program or opportunities. Many of the volunteers are themselves seniors who want to continue their active involvement with their peers and community. Many provide their volunteer service through RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), a program operated and sponsored by the Jefferson Community Action Program. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at one of our senior centers complete our on-line volunteer application or visit one of our centers to discover how your skills and talents may be utilized.

Each senior center also offers a hot noontime meal that is catered by Valley Food Service. This meal offers 1/3 of the daily nutritional requirement for seniors. The menu varies seasonally. Special meals are prepared for holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Persons who wish to participate in the Nutrition program must apply separately for this service. Suggested donation for each meal is $1.50.

Transportation to senior centers is available on a limited basis.

Senior Center Locations:

Estelle Senior Center
5012 Ehret Road
Marrero, LA 70072
(504) 341-4444
FAX: (504) 371-6622

Grand Isle Senior Center
Grand Isle Community Center
3811 Highway 1
Grand Isle, LA 70358
(985) 787-2685
FAX: (985) 787-3937


Gretna Senior Center
606 Seventh Street
Gretna, LA 70053
(504) 366-8189
FAX: (504) 366-8635


Harahan Senior Center
100 Elodie Street
Harahan, LA 70123
(504) 737-3810
FAX: (504) 737-3943


Jefferson Senior Center
4518 Jefferson Hwy.
Jefferson, LA 70121
(504) 734-0817
FAX: (504) 734-9267


Kenner Senior Center
641 Compromise Street
Kenner, LA 70062
(504) 468-7513
FAX: (504) 468-7567


Lafitte Senior Center
4927 Treasure Drive
Lafitte, LA 70067
(504) 689-4403
FAX: (504) 689-2894


Marrero Senior Center
4420 7th Street
Marrero, LA 70072
(504) 340-8336
FAX: (504) 340-8660


Metairie Senior Center
265 N. Causeway Blvd.
Metairie, LA 70001
(504) 835-0210
FAX: (504) 828-1596


The Center
1601 Bridge City Avenue
Bridge City, LA 70094
(504) 436-2059
FAX: (504) 436-7279


Westwego Earnest J. Tassin Senior Center
701 Fourth Street
Westwego, LA 70094
(504) 341-2957
FAX: (504) 348-9429