In 2009 there was a growing concern for the need to provide a place for Wood County’s rapidly increasing older population, a place seniors could go for fellowship, education on health and senior citizen issues, and to participate in fun and games.

Forever Young Activity Center became a reality in 2009 with a mission statement stating “To provide a place for Wood County’s senior citizens to gather for fellowship and provide programs to enrich their lives.”

In the beginning, the center was located in the tight spaces of Quitman Nutrition Center in Dawson Park, sharing the facility with the Meals on Wheels program. Almost immediately the group realized they needed a larger meeting space to serve Wood County senior citizens. The group went to work to create a steady source of income for FYAC to support such a facility and its programs.

Daisy Bennett is the secretary of center, a position she has held since 2010. Bennett traced back the roots of the center. “Mary Phipps moved to the area and was surprised there was no place with senior citizen services in the county. She put together a meeting at First Baptist Church followed by another meeting at First United Methodist Church and over 100 people came to each meeting,” Bennett pointed out. “That got everything started, and Ben Kerr helped them file all the papers for the secretary of state to get the tax exempt status.”

In 2013, Bob and Yvonne Cain decided to retire from their business, Sports Shack and Radio Shack dealer. The Cains put their building on South Main Street up for sale. The size and visibility of the location were major deciding factors in the center’s commitment to buy the property. In mid-2014 the center purchased the vacant home adjacent to them on the north side to secure an additional parking area. The organization also owns nine acres of land just north of Jim Hogg City Park, where future plans are to build a larger center.

Currently, the center is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with organized activities for seniors including educational programs, entertainment, health screening, fitness activities, arts and crafts, group games, and volunteer assistance opportunities.

The services aspect includes monthly health screening and an annual Health Fair. Presentations and briefings have been provided concerning insurance and Medicare options, legal advice, financial planning, identity theft, crimes against seniors, emergency survival planning, reverse mortgages, and more. “There is also a low cost Friday lunch program and the monthly Saturday Supper Club has been well-received,” Bennett added.

The center serves 266 active “associates” from throughout Wood County and many of those are “regulars.” One of the most popular activities is Bingo Night which started May 3, 2013 after Forever Young received permission from the Texas Bingo Commission and the city of Quitman.

Bingo players come from surrounding towns every Tuesday and Friday evening. “Since this is the only bingo facility between Mt. Vernon, Sulphur Springs, Tyler, and Longview we draw clientele from all surrounding communities,” Bennett offered. “We feel like our Bingo has a positive impact on the local economy.”

Forever Young is completely self-sustaining with operating funds generated by short-term fundraising activities including garage sales, bake sales and a Christmas themed “Tour of Homes,” a country store, a baked potato sale, and other organized events. Forever Young also receives disbursements from charitable bingo. They do not charge their “associates” for the many services, but do appreciate volunteers and require participants in arts and crafts to purchase their own supplies.

Forever Young is a healthy place to be, according to Bennett. “There have been many studies on the positive effects that social interaction among seniors can ward off depression, dementia, and other health issues,” Bennett claimed. “If it has done nothing else, FYAC has provided a firm basis for positive interaction among its numerous associates.”

Forever Young is a member of Quitman, Mineola, Winnsboro, Rains County, and Lake Fork Chambers of Commerce with associates active in each of those organizations.

After this week’s Old Settlers Reunion 42 Tournament, the net big fundraiser will be a huge garage sale Sept. 22 and 23. The annual FYAC Community Health Fair will be Thursday, Oct. 6, followed by the Baked Potato Luncheon Friday, Oct. 21.