Growing, Grateful and Moving Forward!
Graceland Center thanks the Community Foundation of Central Illinois and First Federated Church for Fueling Our Growth!
What a journey it has been! As Graceland Center prepares to pack up and move into a larger space to accommodate our booming attendance, we are pausing to look back at where it all began. We didn’t get here alone. Every single step of the way, our growth has been fueled by the incredible generosity of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) and the unwavering hospitality of First Federated Church.
Here is a look at the milestones that brought us to this exciting new chapter:
📍 The Spark: 2023 Emerging Philanthropist Grant
In July 2023, CFCI believed in our vision early. Thanks to their Emerging Philanthropist Grant, we launched vital satellite programming across six different Peoria locations:
• Lincoln Library
• West Peoria City Hall
• The Peoria YMCA
• Lakeview Library
• Tri-County Urban League
• Mosaic Church
These pop-ups put Graceland Center on the map, spreading our message loud and clear: Peoria deserves a dedicated senior center for ALL older adults—a vibrant hub for education, social connection, and aging with true vitality!
🎬 The Expansion: 2024 Community Needs Grant
By September 2024, we had established regular programming at the Life Together Center (initially launched with ARPA funds through the Central Illinois Agency on Aging). Thanks to a 2024 CFCI Community Needs Grant, we leveled up! We added a second day of programming, introducing our beloved Tuesday Movie and BINGO Days. Attendance and community awareness skyrocketed.
🌟 The Momentum: 2025 Community Needs Grant
Through strict accountability, proven results, and a steadily growing community, CFCI doubled down on Peoria's seniors by awarding us a 2025 Community Needs Grant. This critical funding allowed us to add a third day of programming, bringing us closer than ever to our ultimate goal of a full-time senior center.
❤️ A Heartfelt "Thank You" to Our Partners
During our final week at the Life Together Center, we showered our incredible hosts with gratitude. A massive thank you to Pastor Ed Wegle of First Federated Church and Jenni Williams, Coordinator of the Life Together Center. You have been exceptionally gracious, flexible, and supportive of our day-to-day needs!
We also managed to spring a wonderful surprise on the CFCI team! With the help of Cara Allen, VP of Communications, Amanda Fiske, Director of Grants and Community Initiatives, Jeanette Wilson, Office Manager, and Michelle Cecil, Financial Manager, we honored Mark Roberts (CEO) and Sarah Fletcher (VP of Philanthropy) for all the fantastic work they do.
To show our deep appreciation, some of Graceland’s creative participants hand-crafted individual tokens of appreciation for the team: a handmade heart tied to a key with a tag reading:
"Thank you for being the KEY in Graceland Center's growth! Love from our Seniors' hearts!"
