The Span Center

Many adults, including those over 60 and those with disabilities, are struggling to maintain their independence. Others have a caregiver, but that person can suffer from exhaustion and isolation.  

That’s where The Span Center can help. Founded in 1973, The Span Center provides support services to older and disabled adults in Central Virginia, ranging from hot meals to home repair and counseling.  

The services could be as specific as buying a microwave oven for someone who has no way to heat food or as general as providing support, counseling, and friendship, according to Christopher Leighten, the organization’s vice president of brand and outreach.  The Span Center provides over 35 services and served 250,000 clients in 2024. 

The Span Center serves Richmond and the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, and Powhatan. Its staff members aim to empower older and disabled adults and caregivers to live with dignity and an improved quality of life. 

The Span Center provides support services to older and disabled adults offering opportunities for connection through community gatherings and help with gardening. 

The Span Center, which serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Central Virginia, receives federal funding through the Older Americans Act and private donations. Both play important roles because while grants fund some programs, private donations often provide more flexibility in how funds can be spent. 

“There are often no restrictions on gifts, so we can be flexible,” says Christopher.  For instance, federal guidelines stipulate that Meals on Wheels may not provide meals to individuals who lack a stove or microwave that would enable them to heat the food. “But we had someone who had no stove and no microwave, so that person wasn’t eligible for the program.” Through money raised from donations, The Span Center was able to buy that person a microwave, which entitled the client to receive the meals. 

Health and wellness classes give seniors important information to protect and improve their wellbeing.  

The Span Center can also help with home repair, transportation, and health and wellness classes. The Foster Grandparent program connects older adults with children who need services, and community members can act as volunteers for The Span Center. 

TowneBank has served as the Span Center’ s bank since 2023, and Simeon Harris, senior vice president and commercial banker, feels a personal connection to the center. Simeon said the center’s staff provided support for his mother when she was caring for his ill father, who is now deceased. “They helped my family when my father was having medical problems.  I called Span, and they gave me the guidance that I needed,” Simeon says.  

The Span Center appreciates its relationship with TowneBank. “The lines of communication are always open,” Christopher says.  “Towne has also been our long-time supporter.”

“Working with the Span Center is so rewarding,” Simeon adds, “They are doing a great job helping the aging community and providing services for them.” 

For more information, visit SpanCenter.org.