Our Story

Senior Resource Center

For Douglas County

Our Story

SRC's mission is to provide services, resources, support, and engagement to help the older adults of Douglas County Kansas live their best possible quality of life.

Front of the SRC Building

How We Do It

SRC provides services such as transportation, life-transition navigation, emergency assistance, and Medicare counseling. Additionally, SRC’s Center is a busy place with activities, recreation, education, and social engagement for older adults. Everyone ages differently, and SRC’s goal is to help each individual with their specific needs. 

History of the SRC

Origins

In October of 1972, the Douglas County government initiated the Douglas County Planning Council on Services for the Aging, Inc through funds provided by the Older Americans Act. Soon, the name was changed to the Council on Aging, or COA. Early meetings were held in a room at the United Methodist Church at 946 Vermont with administrative operations in a single rented room above Robert’s Jewelry Store at 833 Massachusetts Street.  

In 1979, the COA began to change its name to Douglas County Senior Services, Inc. (DCSS) and moved into its present location at 745 Vermont Street. This site had been the Lawrence police station, and minimal renovations occurred during the transition. Nine years later, in 1988, DCSS finally became the legal name.  

Reinvention as Senior Resource Center

In 2016, the organization reinvented itself once again, becoming the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County, Inc. (SRC).  One year later, 745 Vermont Street began a complete building renovation concurring.

From 2017 to 2019, the newly named SRC moved out to allow 745 Vermont Street to go through a complete, top-to-bottom, building renovation in co-occurrence with Fire Station #1. The City of Lawrence and Douglas County joined forces to fund this multi-million-dollar project, resulting in a modern, warm, inviting Center to benefit all older adults of Douglas County. 

Big Changes in 2025

As of October of 2025, SRC has joined forces with Douglas County, bringing the lifecycle full circle. As the County initiated the services back in 1972, it is exciting that SRC has become an official department of the County exactly 53 years later. At the same time, a Friends of SRC organization was established to ensure robust community engagement and support of services for the community’s seniors.

SRC continues to provide a wide array of services, programs, education, recreation, engagement, referrals and support to help Douglas County seniors live their best possible quality of life. 

Our Team

Senior Wheels Drivers

Senior Wheels riders benefit from a hard-working team of drivers who love to help people get where they want to go! 

William Dulin
LeMarie Gilbert
Pam Harrell
Dan Heptig
Patrick Jenkel
Thomas Ladehoff
Lee Mekus
Will Cooper
Roger Dressler
Roger Endo
Brenda Rezac
Randy Rezac
Fred Toot
Ken Keiter
Gary Scott
Mary Ann Watts
Dennis Smith
Bob Martin
Image
SRC Building 2022

Contact Us

Senior Resource Center

745 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044

Hours: Mon-Fri | 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 785-842-0543

Email: Fill out our online contact form

Find us on the Lawrence Transit bus route map