The Coats Senior Center is locally governed by an
Administrative Board constituting 9 members:

Chairman.............................................Hilda Pope
Vice Chairman.....................................Jim Bales
Secretary............................................Nellie Carroll
Treasurer............................................Dovie Beasley
Dorsey Daniel.............Betty Gardner......Ted Penny
Vacancy

STAFF
Executive Director......................Rebecca McLean                 
Asst. to Director/Nutrition Mgr.....Nellie Carroll
Receptionist...............................Betty Pollock

ADVISORY BOARD
Fundraising/Finances.................Carol Hardee,
Building Maintenance.................Holt Cannady
Legal........................................Atty Joe Tart
Programs/Special Events...........Vicky Stephenson

Other Information:
http://www.charity-charities.org/charities/NC/Coats.html


About the Coats Senior Center
Founded in 1986, the Coats Senior Center is a nonprofit organization for seniors, ages 55 and older living in Coats and the surrounding community.  Whether one is looking for friendship, useful information, or entertainment; the Coats Senior Center is a 40-hour-week operational hub available to seniors Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.  The Center is closed on all major holidays.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Coats Senior Center is to meet the needs of senior citizens by promoting interest and education in physical health, mental health, and economic well-being, socialization, and community interactions.

Physical Layout
The Center is 5200 square feet and includes a large multi-purpose social hall with a maximum capacity of 173 (The Johnnie R. Barnes Hall {north end} and The Marvin Johnson Hall {south end adjacent to kitchen}), a fully operational kitchen, an arts/crafts/sewing room, a self-serve library, and a game/exercise room at the extreme south end of the building.  For imformation about rentals please click here.
Directions
The Coats Senior Center is located in Coats at the western end of Hwy 27 across from the old school house.  The official address is 214 E. Park St., Coats, NC 27521.  The mailing address P.O. Box is number 366. 

Daily Programs
The Coats Senior Center offers a daily informative program on a variety of topics which may include but are not limited to the following: health and safety issues, consumer education, exercise and fitness, informational speakers, entertainment, and special events.   The regular daily program is scheduled for each weekday at 11 a.m.  Each program generally lasts 30-35 minutes, followed by lunch.  Special programs, activities, and events may also be scheduled at other times during the week and should be noted on the calendar.  Anyone interested in conducting a program at the center should contact the director and he/she will make arrangements accordingly. 

Special Classes
Special classes and programs are offered at the Center through Central Carolina Community College in Harnett County, if funding is available.  However, anyone may volunteer to teach a class upon approval from the Board of Directors. 

Available Transportation
Transportation to and from the Center is available on Mondays through Fridays. The pick-up service is for qualifying individuals over the age of 65 through a grant by the Council of Aging.  Participants must be registered with HARTS (Harnett County Rural Transit System).   The Center director will file an application for you.  Once your application is approved by HARTS, the director will tell you the date and times your pick-up will begin. 

Inclement Weather Policy
When Harnett County Public Schools are closed due to snow, ice or severe weather, all classes, activities and mini-trips will be cancelled. There will be no lunch served and no transportation. If County Schools have a delayed opening, all programs scheduled will be held as usual; however, no lunch will be available.  When County schools close early, the center may close early, and activities are cancelled. If in doubt, call the Center before you attempt to go (910-897-4616). 

Trips
Monthly day trips to local areas of interest are planned one year in advance, as per Harnett County Transportation (HARTS).  Thus far, the cost to ride the county van is free of charge.  These trips are for registered members who must have an emergency form on file with the Center.  Seats are limited and filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.  A notebook with a sign-up sheet for trips is kept in the Receptionist Office. 

Senior Nutrition Lunch Program
A nutritious lunch is served at the center Monday through Friday at approximately 11:45am for registered persons aged 60 or older. 
CONGREGATE MEALS
In cooperation with the Harnett County Elderly Nutrition Program, the Coats Senior Center is a host site for a daily nutritious meal Monday-Friday. 
Eligibililty Requirements:
(A)  Congregate nutrition services shall be available to persons 60 years of age or older and their spouses, regardless of age. 
(B)  Qualifying individuals must have a current registration on file at the center site and with Harnett County.  Registrations are updated yearly.
(C)  Qualifying individuals DO NOT have to be a member of the Coats Senior Center; however, participants must adhere to the center code of conduct.
(D)  Qualifying individuals must sign up 1 week in advance in order to eat meals.  That is, meals are pre-ordered 1 week in advance.  Sign-up books are kept in the Johnnie R. Barnes Hall.   
HOME DELIVERED MEALS
In cooperation with the Harnett County Elderly Nutrition Program, the Coats Senior Center is a host site for the delivery of meals to eligible home-bound senior citizens.  Volunteers deliver meals from the Center Monday-Wednesday.

Health and Counseling Services
Blood Pressure Screening
Blood Pressure screening is available by a trained person once a week.  Each year flu shots are given at the Center.  Dates and times may vary.  Income tax service is provided free of charge to senior citizens and limited income individuals in the months of February and March.

Calendar and Monthly Newsletter
Each month there is a newsletter “Senior Moments” and a calendar.  Both are posted on the website. 
Rental Information
The Coats Senior Center provides a large space to rent for meetings, parties and other activities.
RoomCapacityType of Events
Johnnie R. Barnes Hall173 capacity in conjunction with  L. Marvin Johnson HallLarge Events: Wedding Receptions, Anniversary Events
L. Marvin Johnson Hall173 capacity included in conjunction with Johnnie R. Barnes Hall.Dance Area-Rental Rates are higher for dancing events.
•Tables and chairs are available for use with all rentals at no additional cost.
•The renter is responsible for all set-up and takedown of the room.
•The kitchen facility is available for limited use with the rental of both halls. 
•Alcoholic beverages, beer and wine and other are NOT permitted in the building or on the property.
•Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the building.
•Rental Rates for senior members (55 up) is much cheaper at $25; however, to qualify for this discounted rate, senior members (55 and up) must be active for at least 1 year and have at least 50 hours of volunteer hours on file with RSVP in Harnett County.  Deposit Fees for members are waived. 
•Please see the Director if interested in renting the Coats Senior Center. 

SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE COATS SENIOR CENTER
•COVERED DISH
This is a “family reunion” style luncheon.  People in the community are invited to bring a dish and share (no age requirement).  We have a short meeting by reviewing the events of the previous Covered Dish.  We have entertainment, if it can be provided.  If you know of some entertainment, please let the director know, so we can schedule the event. 
Covered Dish is held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 11:00 am.  Lunch is served around 11:45-12 noon.  During lunch we take up an offering.  This money is added to the general fund. 
The Covered Dish event also has a president, secretary, and chaplain.  The president is responsible for securing entertainment and opening up the event.  The secretary records news from each event and reads minutes from the previous event.  The chaplain takes sick call and says the blessing over the food.
•FUNDRAISERS
The Coats Senior Center has two major fundraisers per year:  Fall Fundraiser and the Black Eye Pea Dinner
Fall Fundraiser is held the 3rd Saturday in September.  This is our biggest fundraiser.  Normally we sell tickets for a chance to win a beautiful quilt, hand-stitched by our members.  We serve chicken and/or pork plates for lunch and supper.  We have an all-day yard sale/cake & bake sale.  After supper we may have an auction (if items are provided).  The night usually ends around 10 pm.  It is a very long, but fun-filled day.
•Black Eye Pea Dinner usually held the 3rd Friday of February.  We serve black eye peas, fat back, sweet potatoes, biscuits, and tea.  We may throw in a cake sale and quilt for raffle if one is available. 
•Pepper Relish-If the harvest is good and if supplies can be donated, the ladies of the Center make pepper relish each July.  Also, homemade pickles are made if cucumbers are donated.  We accept garden donations.
•Note:  With the present economic situation, any of these fundraisers are subject to change.  More mini fundraisers are needed to bring in needed funds.  A fundraising advisory committee will be appointed to help make decisions as to which fundraisers will be appropriate for these times. 
•Christmas Party
The Coats Senior Center has their annual Christmas Party the first Friday in December.  The meal is usually catered.  Members and non-members alike are invited to attend.  There is a cost for the meal, which varies year to year.  Entertainment is usually provided. 
•Volunteer Lunch
Volunteers are recognized in the month of May.  We serve lunch and/or heavy refreshments and there are rewards for our wonderful volunteers.  After all, volunteers are the lifeblood of the Center. 
•Daily Programs
The Center has daily programs at 11 a.m.  These programs cover a variety of topics from health care for seniors to entertainment.  We encourage our talented members to conduct programs also.  Special programs and classes are scheduled during other hours of the day.  For example, line dancing is on Mondays and Wednesdays at 3pm.  Blood Pressure checks are done each Wednesday at 10am.  We also have space to play cards and games each day.  The Center has an exercise room equipped with tread mills, weights, and stationary bicycles. We also have a ping pong table.  When funds are available, the Center has classes hosted through Central Carolina Community College. 
•Super Bingo
Super Bingo is held once each month from 10-11:30am.  Participants are encouraged to bring a prize.  At Super Bingo, one can win as many times as luck permits.  The minimum number of cards played is two. 
•Birthday Party
A birthday party is held at the end of each month to celebrate the members’ birthdays of that month. 
•Monthly Trips
Monthly day trips to local areas of interest are planned one year in advance, as per Harnett County Transportation.  Thus far, the cost to ride the county van is free of charge.
•Other Events
Other events are held as funds permit.  Examples:  Luau, cookout, ice cream party and more.
•Website
The Coats Senior has a website.  Please check it out:  www.coats-seniors.org and sign our guest page. The center’s email is memories@coats-seniors.org.
•Daily Thrift Store and e-commerce
The Coats Senior Center sometimes sells items on eBay and online to help bring in needed funds.  If you have something to donate that you think could help  the Center, we will be glad to sell it or auction it.  All donations are tax deductible.  The Center’s online store is called the The Tar Heel Vintage Merchant.  The web address is www.tarheelmerchant.com.