About Us

About the Center

At the Onion Creek Senior Center, we recognize that loneliness and isolation can impact many active adults 50+, and we are committed to being a place where meaningful connection happens every day. Our weekly lunches are more than just a meal—they offer a welcoming space to gather, build friendships, and feel a true sense of belonging.

Today, our center proudly serves a growing community of over 500 members, with thousands of visits each year across our programs and activities. From bingo nights and country dances to art classes, games, and exercise and wellness opportunities, there is something here for everyone to enjoy and stay engaged.

Our volunteers are the heart of what we do, generously giving their time to support programs, events, and daily operations. Their dedication helps us create a warm, inviting environment where everyone feels valued, connected, and part of something special.

As we continue to grow, our mission remains the same: to provide a safe, comfortable, and vibrant place for active adults 50+ to gather, stay active, and truly feel at home.

Get to know our Board of Directors

History- The House that Sandra Built

After an organizational meeting on January 24, 1984, the new 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, by-laws were approved by vote of the membership and Onion Creek Senior Citizens, Inc., was established. In 1985, the board chose Sandra Grizzle as the first executive director.

In the summer of 1986, Bob Barton deeded a partnership interest in land he owned at Barton Crossing and FM 2770 to the senior citizens, and traded adjoining land to the county, with the requirement that is be leased to Onion Creek Senior Citizens at $100 per year for 20 years. County officials then agreed to move a metal building from the old San Marcos Hospital grounds to the site in Buda. With the help of the county and the hard work of many members, who donated time and fund-raising efforts, and with the help and generosity of the community, the site was re-worked and building re-furbished so that the third annual membership meeting was held in the new center on March 14, 1987.

The senior citizens occupied the county building for a total of 26 years. Today that county building is home for several Hays County offices, as well as the Buda Lions.

With the help of our many generous members and grants from the Community Hospital Foundation, we opened the doors on February 14, 2013, to our 6000+ square foot senior center at 420 Barton Crossings.

Since we have been in our spacious center, we have been able to offer numerous activities for our members and provide once a week meals on Thursdays. All of this is made possible by our many member volunteers, financial support from the City of Buda and Hays County, grants from Burdine Johnson Foundation, Moody Foundation, St. David’s Foundation, PEC, fund-raising events, and community involvement.

Special thanks to all who have worked to make Onion Creek Senior Center a reality and have kept it a viable part of our 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