TODAY
Take a stroll around The Center at Belvedere and you’ll hear laughter and lively conversation in the midst of tai chi, art classes, Zumba, computer class, volunteering … any of the dozens of programs currently going on every week, with masks and appropriate physical distancing.
Construction of The Center at Belvedere was completed in spring 2020—just as the coronavirus pandemic necessitated shutdowns. Fortunately, it was designed to meet growing community need, so—once on-site programs were possible—there was plenty of room to spread out.
Research proves that programming such as ours—centered on holistic wellness—promotes longer, healthier, happier lives. Even with the current limits to programs and hours of operation, The Center is still the heart of healthy aging in the greater Charlottesville area, with an all-encompassing range of programming to ensure both mental and physical well-being.
Combating the loneliness and social isolation of older adults in our community has been part of The Center’s mission for more than 60 years. So along with on-site options, there are lots of online offerings to ensure that everyone can participate in whatever way works best.
A TRANSFORMING VENUE
The Center at Belvedere fulfills the shared vision of a community asset that will meet the needs of a growing population to advance one of our community's health priorities — increasing well-being across the lifespan. Older adults who maintain active lifestyles and social connections incur lower health care costs, support family members as caregivers, and give back to community as volunteers.
The new Center provides dedicated fitness rooms, a 380-seat performing arts auditorium, a lifelong learning wing with classrooms and a library, an art studio, a game room, a volunteer center, conference rooms, and more. As a community asset, it is designed to meet the needs of a growing population, expand our capacity for partnerships, and broaden our impact across the region.
Conveniently located just off East Rio Road in the Belvedere neighborhood, The Center prioritizes accessibility through universal design, proximity to walking trails and public transit, and scholarships for those who have a need. It is a welcoming community hub with more than 47,000 square feet inside and generous outdoor space for healthy aging programs and partnerships. A Greenberry's Coffee Co. and Sentara Family Medicine practice on-site draw people of all ages.
THANK YOU!
The Center at Belvedere is open and operating because of the dedication and hard work of so many, including volunteers, staff, boards of directors, and design and construction teams. More than a thousand community members supported the capital campaign for The Center at Belvedere with donations that made every step possible, from purchasing the land to furnishing the building's beautiful spaces. Gifts of every kind made a difference, and we are endlessly grateful for them all.
Opportunities to support the The Center at Belvedere's capital campaign are still available, and over the next few years we will be working toward funding additional capital projects. Naming opportunities for some spaces within The Center at Belvedere are still available. If you are interested in exploring ways to support The Center with a capital gift, please contact philanthropy director Melanie Benjamin at 434.220.9744 or at melanie@thecentercville.org.
Here for Everyone
While the pandemic has reduced the number of on-site programs currently available, it provided the impetus for online program delivery. Being able to reach out to people in our own community and beyond has expanded access and enriched our offerings
“Your presentation was fabulous! Since I did not get my beach trip in at the Outer Banks this year this helped a lot. It was so nice to learn about something different today. Thanks also for all your help getting the exercise classes online for those of us who can’t come on site yet.”
Older adults continue to have opportunities to connect with one another, reducing the risk of social isolation and loneliness that threaten physical and mental health.
“Programs at the Center have been a godsend to me! I really enjoy and Need the interaction that I get at The Center, especially since I live alone.”
Want to support healthy aging?
Make a gift or pledge today.
Contact philanthropy director Melanie Benjamin at 434.220.9744 or melanie@thecentercville.org.
Volunteer
Contact Coordinator of Volunteer Resources Bobbi Hughes at 434.974.7756 or bobbi@thecentercville.org.
Renderings courtesy of Bushman Dreyfus Architects
Architectural photography courtesy of Virginia Hamrick. Additional photography courtesy of Jack Looney and Michael Matthews.