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Snohomish County outreach group helps elders facing isolation
By Paris Jackson, story published 03/23/2026
A Snohomish County senior center is prioritizing community among Black elders to combat isolation and foster connection.
Every Tuesday, a group of Black seniors meet to share meals, fellowship and participate in activities through culturally-specific programs curated by Homage Senior Services inside the Carl Gipson Senior Center in Everett.
Last month, the seniors in the Black Elder Outreach Program rode Community Transit buses to learn how to ride public transportation and help maintain their independence.
Emma Nuckles, 84, is one of the Elder Outreach Program members. She says she’s the only Black person in her senior living building and has enjoyed the company of the other Black seniors since the group’s inception 3 years ago.
“It makes me feel wonderful because as you know, in this area - and we talk about it all the time - you know, there's not very many of us. And being sheltered and in-home most of our lives, especially when we get to the age, we are and not seeing people like us,” Nuckles said.
In 1961, Nuckles moved to Washington state from Louisiana and settled in Spokane, where she and her husband started a family. She moved to Everett in the 1990s and has lived in the area ever since, but now that’s she older, she says the senior center is another place to go outside of her church.
“To be able to come out and meet and do activities together, and to reminisce about old times, recipes, and children and grandchildren. You know, and it's just good to get out of the house,” Nuckles said.
Carl Gipson staff say the 60-plus age group is the highest growing population in the county. They say many seniors face isolation, which leads to increased rates of dementia.
“I see it every day, you know, I come across... elders they're sitting or they're just at the grocery store by themselves, not really shopping, but just walking to get out of the house. And, I wish that everyone knew that there are programs such as this,” said Shree Smith, an elder advocate with Homage Senior Services.
For the last year, Smith has led the elders with intentionality behind the effort she puts in.
“I even plan for my meetings. My group, meetings, a week in advance. I sit and I think, what can I do that will be enjoyable? It will make it worthwhile that they get dressed and came to the meeting this morning. They've been coming. I have some members that are consistent. I don't care if it's raining. Snowing. They are here and I want to make it worth their while. And so far, I think I'm doing that because they continue to come.” Smith said.
There are also 6 other ethnically tailored senior support groups at Carl Gipson.
