OCEAN CITY – After years of dedicated service to the seniors of Ocean City by the Cape May County Division of Aging and Disability Services, under the mutual understanding and agreement of Cape May County and Ocean City, the Community Services Department of Ocean City is scheduled to take over operations of the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center in 2024.

Ocean City and Cape May County representatives made the announcement to the senior program participants at the center on Thursday, December 14, 2023, giving the seniors the opportunity to ask questions, and Ocean City and the County the opportunity to field those questions regarding the impending change ahead.

“Cape May County has done an amazing job operating the Howard Stainton Senior Center and we are grateful for their dedication to the senior population of our town,” said Mayor Jay Gillian. “This building is a one-of-a-kind multi-purpose facility and as such, Ocean City sees tremendous opportunity to expand and improve the quality of programs offered to the seniors of our town by assuming operations of the Center.”

Cape May County will continue to provide services in partnership with Ocean City through the County’s Fare Free Transportation Department and the Human Services’ Division of Aging and Disability Services, including but not limited to weekly/daily transportation, and as a continued site for the very popular Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, operated by the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) which provides free tax preparation for households with an annual income of $60,000 or less. The two County employees previously assigned to the Ocean City’s Center will be transferred to another County run Senior Center.

Effective February 1, Ocean City will assume responsibility of all functions of the Center, including programming, staffing, and meals; but also plans to supplement and expand transportation needs beyond what is currently provided.