Our Story

The story of the Mojave Valley Senior Citizen’s Club — now the Barstow Senior Center — began in early 1976 with a simple call for help and a whole lot of heart. Wanda Bethel, recognizing the growing needs of Barstow’s seniors, invited Mayor George Goldsmith and other local leaders to discuss the urgent need for a dedicated space for older adults. From that meeting came the first leadership team: President Wanda Bethel, Vice President Mayor George Goldsmith, Secretary Martha Noll, and Treasurer John Cawdrey. Their vision became real on September 10, 1976, when the Mojave Valley Senior Citizen’s Center was officially incorporated.

Our very first fundraiser was humble — a doll raffle that raised $500 — but that seed money opened the door to something bigger: the Senior Citizen’s Thrift Store. By 1978, the store was raising $1,500 a month, helping sustain the center’s programs. Today, our thrift store continues to operate thanks to devoted volunteers and remains one of our primary sources of financial support.

In 1979, our current building was dedicated. Inside the entryway, a plaque proudly notes that the facility was made possible through a partnership between the City of Barstow and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, funded through a Community Development Block Grant — a true example of community investment in its seniors.