Amherst Center for Senior Services

What Amherst Center for Senior Services does

The Amherst Center for Senior Services (ACSS) is a town-operated, non-residential community center located at 370 John James Audubon Parkway in Amherst, New York, serving active adults aged 50 and older in the Town of Amherst (including the Village of Williamsville). Founded in 1952 and operating from a 53,000-square-foot facility with a secondary program site at the Northwest Amherst Community Center, the Center delivers an integrated portfolio of in-person services: more than 100 classes per trimester across fitness, art, culinary, and technology; 50+ member-led clubs; a daily Programs offering delivered in in-house, virtual, hybrid, and off-site formats; a Nutrition offering that hosts the Erie County Stay Fit Dining Program (suggested $3.50 contribution per meal for residents 60+) plus a Frozen Meal Program with 3/5/6/8/10-pack options; a Senior Support Network providing social casework, benefits counseling (HIICAP, SNAP, HEAP, MSP, EPIC application assistance), short-term non-clinical counseling, and 8 support groups; an award-winning Volunteer Program; and amenity spaces including an Art Gallery, Billiard Room, Card Room, Boxing Room, and a forthcoming Cafe.

The Center's technology backbone is the third-party MyActiveCenter.com member portal, through which members register for classes, programs, clubs, meals, and pickleball using their keytag number, with tiered registration timing for residents versus nonresidents. Marketing and outreach run through a monthly newsletter and Bi-Monthly Connections Guide, organic social (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), a dedicated Public Relations Coordinator, and a formal Sponsorship/Advertising program with room and SERVE DAY partnerships reaching local businesses and the 14,000+ member base.

Revenue mechanics are characteristic of a municipal non-profit: one-time lifetime membership fees ($50 individual / $75 couple/household for Town of Amherst residents), usage-based meal contributions, philanthropic donations (including honor/memoriam gifts funneled through the affiliated Amherst Generations Foundation), sponsor and advertising revenue from healthcare and senior-living brands, and government grants (notably a New York State Office of Aging grant that funded the Boxing Room). Non-resident memberships were closed to new applicants effective January 1, 2025, and the Center's customer base is overwhelmingly individual consumers rather than enterprise accounts, with operational reach concentrated in the Town of Amherst and broader Erie County for the meal program.

Name

Amherst Center for Senior Services

Legal name

Amherst Center for Senior Services

Website

https://amherstcenterforseniorservices.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1952

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Amherst Center for Senior Services is a town-operated, non-residential community center in Amherst, New York, serving active adults aged 50+ in the Town of Amherst through 100+ classes per trimester, 50+ member-led clubs, nutrition programs, social casework and support groups, and a 14,000+ member volunteer-driven community hub.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Senior Community Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community-Based Senior Centers with Adult Day Services (HLADAIAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Community & Senior Center Lifelong Learning Programs (EDAAAMAB)

Keywords

• Senior community center
• Active aging programs
• Senior nutrition services
• Senior support services
• Adult lifelong learning

Headquarters

HQ city

Amherst

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Lifetime individual ($50) and Lifetime Couple/Household ($75) memberships paid one-time by Town of Amherst residents; non-resident memberships closed to new enrollment as of January 1, 2025.
2. Nutrition Program Contributions: Suggested confidential contributions of $3.50 per meal for the Erie County Stay Fit Dining Program and Frozen Meal Program (with 3/5/6/8/10 packs); $5.50 required cost for guests under 60.
3. Donations and Philanthropy: Online donation form accepting contributions, including honor/memoriam gifts, to keep programs growing and ensure access for all participants.
4. Sponsorship and Advertising: Sponsorship/advertising opportunities for businesses to reach a community of 14,000+ members, including room sponsorships (Gallery, Dance, Dining, Music) and SERVE DAY partnerships.
5. Government Grants: New York State Office of Aging grant secured by Assemblymember Karen McMahon funded the Center's Boxing Room.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Amherst Center for Senior Services is a town-operated, non-residential community center serving adults 50+ in Amherst, NY. It sells lifetime individual and couple memberships that unlock access to 100+ classes per trimester, 50+ member-led clubs, daily programs in fitness, arts, education, and recreation, a Stay Fit Dining lunch program and Frozen Meal Program, and a Senior Support Network offering benefits counseling (SNAP/HEAP/MSP/EPIC/HIICAP), short-term non-clinical counseling, and 8 facilitated support groups. All offerings are anchored at the Center's 53,000-square-foot purpose-built facility and registered through the MyActiveCenter online portal.

Product overview

The Amherst Center for Senior Services is a single, town-operated, non-residential community hub (a 53,000-square-foot facility at 370 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY) that delivers its offerings as an integrated portfolio of in-person programs rather than as a discrete SaaS platform with separate modules. The portfolio combines the Classes offering (100+ classes per trimester across fitness, art, culinary, and technology), the Clubs offering (50+ member-led clubs), the Programs offering (daily in-house, virtual, hybrid, and off-site activities), the Nutrition offering (Stay Fit Dining Program and the Frozen Meal Program), the Senior Support Network (Support for You), Membership tiers, the Volunteer program, and the Facilities amenity set (Art Gallery, Billiard Room, Boxing Room, Card Room, and a forthcoming Cafe). All of these share the same membership backbone and are reserved through the MyActiveCenter portal, so members move between Classes, Clubs, Programs, Nutrition, and Support services under one membership and one registration system rather than buying standalone products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Classes Lifelong-learning classes for active adults 50+ covering fitness, art, culinary, and technology topics; 100+ classes offered each trimester.
• Clubs 50+ member-only clubs led by fellow members covering social connection, hobbies, and lifelong learning; members register at MyActiveCenter and attend the next meeting.
• Programs Daily activities and programs for older adults across fitness, arts, education, and entertainment, delivered in-house, virtually, in hybrid formats, and off-site (including field trips and Senior Center on the Move).
• Stay Fit Dining Program Hot, affordable meals served in a community setting under the Erie County Stay Fit Dining Program for Erie County residents aged 60+; suggested $3.50 contribution per meal (confidential) and $5.50 required cost for under-60 guests.
• Frozen Meal Program Town of Amherst frozen meal program offering 3-, 5-, 6-, 8-, and 10-packs of assorted meals (each with milk and a dessert) at a suggested $3.50 per-meal contribution, picked up at the Center on Fridays.
• Senior Support Network Non-clinical support services for older adults including SNAP/HEAP/MSP/EPIC application assistance, class fee waivers, community service referrals, HIICAP linkage, Senior Center On the Move off-site visits to senior housing, short-term social-worker counseling, and 8 facilitated support groups.
• Volunteer Program Award-winning volunteer program (Network in Aging Program of Excellence Award) with hundreds of volunteers contributing tens of thousands of hours annually at the Center and across Western New York, with options spanning community service, performance, and special events.
• Membership Lifetime individual ($50) and couple/household ($75) memberships for Town of Amherst residents aged 50+ that unlock access to classes, programs, services, nutrition, clubs, and events; non-resident memberships closed to new applicants as of January 1, 2025.
• Boxing with Parkinson's Program Specialized therapeutic exercise program for individuals with Parkinson's Disease and similar movement disorders, delivered in a grant-funded Boxing Room at the Center, alongside a Boxing Fitness Class open to the broader membership.
• MyActiveCenter Member Registration Portal Online member self-service portal where members set up an account with their keytag number and register for Classes, Clubs, Programs, Meals (lunch and dinner), and Pickleball; registration priority gives Town of Amherst residents an earlier window than nonresident members.

Quantifiable outcome

• Tens of thousands of volunteer hours contributed annually by hundreds of volunteers at the Senior Center and throughout the Western New York community.
• +2 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Amherst Senior Transportation ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNot-for-profit agency providing a special system of transportation to enhance quality of life and promote independence of Amherst residents 55+. Close operational partnership to help members access the Center and program eligibility is linked to ASTS ability.
• Erie County Senior ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerErie County department promoting well-being of all older adults through coordinated and cost-effective services. ACSS hosts the Erie County Stay Fit Dining Program at its Center, integrating county-level senior services into its offerings.
• Amherst Meals on WheelscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides nutritional support to elderly and adults with disabilities in the Town of Amherst to maintain independence in their home environment. ACSS promotes and refers members to the program.
• Amherst Youth & Recreation DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntergenerational programming partner with whom ACSS collaborates to deliver intergenerational programs at the Center.
• Amherst Generations FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated foundation supporting the work of the Amherst Center for Senior Services for older adults in the community.
• AARPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a supporter/sponsor of the Amherst Center for Senior Services.
• Excellus Blue Cross Blue ShieldcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDance Room Sponsor of the Amherst Center for Senior Services.
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue ShieldcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDining Room Sponsor of the Amherst Center for Senior Services.
• Asbury PointecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGallery Room Sponsor of the Amherst Center for Senior Services' on-site Art Gallery.
• Beechwood Continuing CareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a supporter/sponsor of the Amherst Center for Senior Services.
• The ChapelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of SERVE DAY at the Amherst Center for Senior Services.
• Clarity GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a supporter/sponsor of the Amherst Center for Senior Services.
• Fallon Health Weinberg PACEminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a supporter/sponsor of the Amherst Center for Senior Services.
• Family Choice NYminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a supporter/sponsor of the Amherst Center for Senior Services.
• Heathwood Assisted LivingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a supporter/sponsor of the Amherst Center for Senior Services.
• Home InsteadminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a supporter/sponsor of the Amherst Center for Senior Services.
• Ken-Ton HearingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a supporter/sponsor of the Amherst Center for Senior Services.
• Kaleida HealthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a supporter/sponsor of the Amherst Center for Senior Services.
• Sheridan BenefitsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a supporter/sponsor of the Amherst Center for Senior Services.
• Simply The Best: Water & Mold RestorationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a supporter/sponsor of the Amherst Center for Senior Services.
• Univera HealthcareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a supporter/sponsor of the Amherst Center for Senior Services.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Cambridge Council on Aging: Municipal senior center serving Cambridge, MA residents 60+ with classes, fitness, nutrition, and social support services. Directly comparable as a town/city-operated senior community hub offering integrated programming, dining, and casework.
• Pasadena Senior Center: Nonprofit senior center offering classes, social services, nutrition programs, and a robust volunteer base. Directly comparable in mission, programming breadth, and fee-based membership model.
• Boulder Senior Services (Boulder Parks & Recreation): Municipal senior services program embedded in a city Parks & Recreation department, offering classes, fitness, nutrition, and case management. Comparable as a government-operated senior center with similar residency/gating model.
• Arlington Senior Center (Virginia): County-operated senior center offering fitness, education, social programs, and nutrition services to residents 55+. Comparable municipal governance, age-targeted programming, and integrated support services.

Broad incumbents

• JCC (Jewish Community Center) — Senior Programs: JCCs operate multi-faceted senior programming (fitness, education, social engagement, nutrition) as part of a broader community recreation portfolio. Comparable in offering set though not residency-gated.
• YMCA — Active Older Adults Programs: YMCA Active Older Adults programs deliver fitness, social, and wellness classes for the 50+ demographic across a national branch network. Comparable in offering category though delivered through a paid-membership fitness model rather than a residency-gated town-operated model.
• AARP: National membership organization for adults 50+ offering programs, advocacy, education, and community resources. Comparable target demographic and information/counseling services (HIICAP-style benefits support), though at a national scale.

Others

• National Council on Aging (NCOA): National advocacy and resource organization for older adults that curates senior center best practices, benefits navigation, and wellness programs. Comparable as an ecosystem/thematic enabler for senior centers rather than a direct operator.
• Meals on Wheels America: National umbrella for community-based meal programs for older adults. Comparable to ACSS's Stay Fit Dining and Frozen Meal Programs in nutrition mission, though delivered via home delivery rather than congregate dining.

Emerging players

• PACE Programs (e.g., Fallon Health Weinberg PACE): Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) providers serve the 55+ population with integrated medical, social, and nutrition services. Comparable in clinical-adjacent service scope and target demographic; Fallon Health Weinberg PACE is already an ACSS sponsor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCErtKsMD11Dk-55bQbR87hA
• Facebookfacebook.com/amherstnyseniorcenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/amherst-center-for-senior-services
• Instagraminstagram.com/amherstseniorcenter
• Xx.com/AmherstSrCenter

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Amherst Center for Senior Services