About the Center
Loneliness and social isolation are challenges many seniors face. Our Center exists to provide connection, community, and a place to belong. What may look like a simple weekly lunch is often much more — an opportunity to build friendships, share laughter, find support, and enjoy a warm meal together.
Our programs are designed to keep both body and mind active. From dance and exercise classes to cards, dominoes, arts, crafts, and health-focused activities, the Center offers a variety of ways for members to stay engaged, energized, and connected.
The spirit of the Center is strengthened by our incredible volunteers, whose time, dedication, and generosity help make everything we do possible. Their contributions not only support the Center, but also foster purpose and meaningful involvement within our community.
Above all, our mission is simple: to provide a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment where seniors can gather, connect, and thrive.
Get to know our Staff and Board of Directors - Click HERE
History
In 1983, a group of Buda-area residents began planning a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community, with a special focus on older adults. Following an organizational meeting on January 24, 1984, the association elected its first Board of Directors: Bob Barton, Mary Giberson, Sandra Grizzle, Ralph Lancaster, Joe McCracken, Judy Ricketts, Gene Schwartz, Tom Spiller, and Betty Turner.
On March 10, 1984, the membership approved the bylaws, formally establishing Onion Creek Senior Citizens, Inc. In 1985, Sandra Grizzle was selected as the organization’s first Executive Director.
In the summer of 1986, Bob Barton deeded a partnership interest in land at Barton Crossing and FM 2770 to the organization. Adjoining land was traded to the county with the condition that it be leased to Onion Creek Senior Citizens for $100 per year for 20 years. County officials subsequently arranged for a metal building from the former San Marcos Hospital grounds to be relocated to the Buda site.
Through the combined efforts of the county, dedicated members, and generous community supporters, the site was prepared and the building refurbished. On March 14, 1987, the third annual membership meeting was proudly held in the new center — marking an important milestone in the Center’s history.
The senior citizens utilized the county building for 26 years. Today, that building serves as home to several Hays County offices, as well as the Buda Lions.
With the support of our generous members and grants from the Community Hospital Foundation, we proudly opened the doors to our new, 6,000+ square foot Senior Center at 420 Barton Crossings on February 14, 2013.
Since moving into our spacious facility, we have expanded our programs and activities, providing numerous opportunities for members to stay active, engaged, and connected. We are also pleased to offer weekly meals on Thursdays.
These programs and services are made possible through the dedication of our member volunteers, financial support from the City of Buda and Hays County, grants from the Burdine Johnson Foundation, Moody Foundation, St. David’s Foundation, PEC, along with fundraising efforts and strong community involvement.
We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone whose time, generosity, and support have helped make Onion Creek Senior Center a reality and continue to sustain it as a vibrant part of the Buda community.
"The Onion Creek Senior Center has been around since 1984 as a nonprofit organization catering to the needs of senior citizens of this area. With the elder population growing rapidly in this area, the need for a senior center is of the utmost importance to an aging community. We fully support the OCSC community and their growing members as well as the great need for the senior center."
- J.R. Gonzales, Former Managing Director, Buda Area Chamber of Commerce
If the Hays CISD schools close due to bad weather, the center will also close.
Check out these links for school closures due to weather. Hays Informed Click HERE Hays CISD Click HERE
