In the heart of New Braunfels, a local non-profit is rewriting the narrative of aging, transforming retirement into a vibrant phase of exploration. Whether it’s trying something new after a loss, picking up a long-forgotten hobby, or simply finding connection, the programs offered at the 7Ten Center, operated by the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation (CCSCF) open doors for hundreds of seniors in the community.
As part of our July “Explore” issue, we sat down with Chris Smith, Executive Director of the CCSCF, to learn how they’re helping seniors defy the outdated stigma that retirement marks the end of adventure. In truth, for many, it’s just the beginning.
For some members, exploration starts with healing. The center offers a space where seniors can build new friendships and rediscover joy, often after a life-changing event like the death of a spouse or a move to a new city.
One member, recently widowed and new to New Braunfels, shared, “My life was so sad. But I’ve come here, met new friends, and now I feel like I belong again.” Her story is one of many, highlighting the CCSCF as a bridge from isolation to engagement.
Members explore hobbies like woodcarving, knitting, and gardening, and are encouraged to shape the center’s programs through feedback. A recent suggestion for a conversational Spanish group sparked plans to recruit a retiring local Spanish teacher. “Exploration,” Chris went on to say, “is in everything we do. It’s never too late to start something new.”
The center’s fitness group encourages members (most in their 70s) to challenge themselves through programs like aerobics, Tai Chi, water aerobics, and chair yoga. “They’re not done yet,” Chris said with a smile. “They’re floating in the pool, enjoying life. It’s a whole new world to them.”
Another aspect of the CCSCF focuses on the shared experience of a group meal, offered free to those 60 and older. The meal provides more than just nutrition—it fosters community. For many on fixed incomes, this daily offering also eases the burden of food insecurity. Feedback on a recent change in food providers was overwhelmingly positive, a testament to how even small changes can have a big impact.
Some of the most impactful work happens beyond the center’s walls. For seniors who are homebound, the 7Ten Center delivers not just meals but that vital sense of connection. Volunteers check in daily, often becoming the only human contact these seniors have.
“We tell them they’re not forgotten,” Chris said. “We show up with meals, smiles, and time to talk.” Volunteers often go above and beyond, delivering pet food, arranging yard work, and staying alert for changes in their clients’ well-being. This holistic approach ensures that every senior, regardless of circumstance, continues to feel part of the community.
Exploration at the center also means building bridges between generations. During the center’s Senior Prom, “One woman attended her first prom at 70,” Chris shared. “She came with her adult son, and they were crowned prom king and queen.”
Regular social events like masquerade dances, veterans’ coffee chats, and community garden projects with local students keep the energy lively and the connections meaningful.
Despite its impact, the center faces challenges. Federal funding for meals has reverted to pre-pandemic levels while food costs have doubled. With a monthly food bill of $30,000, fundraising has become critical. Their first fundraising dinner, which happened in June (Sizzlin for Seniors), aimed to close some of that gap, but long-term sustainability remains a focus.
Still, the outlook is hopeful. With 55 new members joining in a single month, momentum is growing. The 7Ten Center hopes to expand services and eliminate waiting lists for home-delivered meals.
More than a senior center, the 7Ten Center is just the start of continued exploration of life, joy, and community. And as its members prove daily, the spirit of adventure doesn’t have an age limit.
More than a senior center, the 7Ten Center is just the start of continued exploration of life, joy, and community.