New Castle County
New Castle County, Delaware
"The First County in the First State"
County Home > Community Services > Senior Services
Seniors
Address:
James H. Gilliam Building
Department of Community Services
77 Read's Way
New Castle, DE 19720

Hours:
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Volunteer Opportunities at New Castle County
Volunteer Registration Form

Senior Services - New Castle County

Platinum Picnic Photo
The annual Platinum Picnic draws hundreds of senior residents to Banning Park each spring

New Castle County offices will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday, May 27.

New Castle County has a lot to offer its residents who are 50+. Many of you are caring for a relative or parent while addressing your own needs as you plan for retirement. And we know that people over 50 are remaining more active than ever.  Our government is committed to providing residents 50 and older with a variety of options for better living, including activities, discounts and safety programs.
We are here for you. Your ideas and questions are welcomed. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (302)395-5107.
 
- Thomas P. Gordon, New Castle County Executive

Absalom Jones Senior Center

Located at 310 Kiamensi Road in the community of Belvedere, the Absalom Jones Senior Center is open Monday through Friday 9:00am-2:00pm.  The center provides weekly bus trips, recreational, educational and nutritional services for residents 55+.  For more information, please call 302-995-7636.

Annual Platinum Picnic

For more than 60 years the Platinum Picnic has been held as a day of fun and fellowship. Meet new friends. Bring your grandchildren.  All residents 55+ are invited to attend the annual Platinum Picnic at Banning Park. New Castle County is proud to sponsor this event which attracts hundreds each June to highlight New Castle County's senior programs.  For more information, please call 302-395-5624 or 302-395-5655.
 
This year's event is slated for June 5, 10am-2pm. The theme is Stars & Stripes, and will include a ceremony recognizing our veterans in attendance. Registration is required, especially for groups/centers/clubs.

Senior Programming

New Castle County Community Activity & Recreation Center offer health and wellness programming such as Dance Socials, Senior Strength Yogilates, and Zumba Gold.  In addition, a variety of informational sessions are offered including retirement planning, defensive driving, and investment strategies.  There are four convenient locations across New Castle County:
  • Appoquinimink Community Activity & Recreation Center - 651 N. Broad St., Middletown
  • Brandywine Town Center - 4050 Brandywine Parkway, Wilmington
  • Garfield Park Community Activity & Recreation Center - 26 Karlyn Drive, New Castle
  • Hockessin Community Activity & Recreation Center - 7259 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin
Programs are also held at the Absalom Jones Community Center, Rockwood Carriage House, and the Streed House in Talley Day Park.  For more information please call 302-395-5683 or visit www.nccde.org/happenings.
 

Book Buddy Program

The Book Buddy Program is a community outreach service of the New Castle County Libraries. The service is designed to provide access to library materials for senior citizens unable to get to the library.  Book Buddy Volunteers deliver library materials once a month to those enrolled in the program.  There is no fee for this service.  To sign up for Book Buddy services or to volunteer please call 302-395-5656 or visit our website.

New Castle County Art Studio

The New Castle County Art Studio is located at 310 Kiamensi Road, Wilmington and offers a variety of clay works and pottery classes, photography, drawing and painting courses for residents of all ages.  For more information, please call 302-995-7661.

Sports and Athletics

A variety of team sports and instructional programs are available for those ages 50+.
  • Softball Leagues (ages 58+) take place from May to August.
  • Senior Softball Practices (ages 50+) are held in September and October and include informal pick-up games.
  • Senior 9-Hole Golf Leagues (ages 50+) are held in September and October at Delcastle Golf Course.
For more information please call 302-395-5890 or visit www.nccde.org/sports.

AARP's Driver Safety

Helps you drive safer and longer. You can even get a discount on your car insurance. Learn more at www.aarpdriversafety.org.

AARP Tax Aide

Get free tax help from February through April 15 or volunteer to help others with their returns. Learn more at www.aarp.org/taxaide.

AARP Money Management

Trained volunteers provide clients who are unable to manage their own finances with the money management assistance they need for daily living. Learn more at www.aarpmmp.org.

Senior Housing Assistance Senior Minor Home Repair Program

This grant program is designed to assist eligible homeowners who need small repairs to their homes.  The program addresses minor home repairs that focus on health, safety and security conditions
of the home.  Funding available for eligible households is between $500 and $2,500.  This program is available to income eligible senior residents who live outside the Wilmington and Newark city limits.  This program is administered by New Castle County with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  Funding is limited per fiscal year and is available on a first come, first served basis.  For more information, please call 302-395-5698.

Emergency Home Repair Loan Program

The Emergency Home Repair Loan Program is a 0% mortgage loan program providing assistance to eligible homeowners faced with a condition determined to be dangerous to the life, health, property and safety of the occupants of the home. The program is limited to one qualified repair that needs immediate attention.  Examples: unsafe electrical wiring, a severely damaged roof, an unsafe or non-working heater in winter, or severe plumbing leaks.  Loan amounts are from $500 to $5,000. Payments may be spread over 36 or 60 months.

Senior Home Repair Loan Program

The Senior Home Repair Loan Program is a deferred 0% interest loan program designed to provide assistance to eligible homeowners who need more extensive repairs to their homes than the Senior Minor Home Repair Grant Program provides. The Senior Home Repair Loan Program addresses home repairs that focus on health, safety and security conditions of the home. Qualifications are identical to the Senior Minor Home Repair Program and include homeowners who are 60 years old or older, own and reside in the home as their primary residence, are under the applicable income limit for the household size, have assets under the asset limit and have homeowners insurance. Funding availability per eligible household is between $500.00 and $7,500.  This Program is administered and funded by New Castle County.  Funding for this program is limited per fiscal year and is on a first come, first served basis.  For more information call 302-395-5698.

Architectural Accessibility Program

The Architectural Accessibility Program is a grant program designed to enhance the ability of qualified household members to safely function in and enter and exit the home. The program can be used to install a ramp, grab bars or other small modifications that are medically necessary. Funding availability per home is from $500 to $5,000. Households must meet all eligibility requirements.  Program funding is limited per fiscal year and is on a first come, first served basis. This program is administered by New Castle County with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

New Castle County Police Senior Roll Call Lifeline Program

The Senior Roll Call Lifeline is a free program provided by New Castle County that calls the homes of its subscribers every day to ensure the welfare of its elderly residents, many of whom live alone.  Daily phone calls are made to those enrolled to make sure they are doing well and do not require emergency assistance.  If after several attempts the calls are unsuccessful, help is sent to the home to check on the wellbeing of the subscriber.  To learn more about the program and participate, or to sign up a loved one, please call the New Castle County Police Community Services Senior Roll Call Line at 302-395-8159.

911 Special Needs Registry

Do you have special needs or health issues that Emergency Responders should know about in advance? To help them, help you, go to www.prepareDE.org or call the State 911 Administrator at 302-744-2682 and REGISTER TODAY with any special needs. Preparing Now Avoids Panic Later.

Property Tax Rates

New Castle County is happy to offer up to $32,000 in property tax exemptions to eligible residents age 65 or older.  For more information, please call 302-395-5520 or visit www.nccde.org.

Sewer Rates

Eligible residents aged 65 or older may receive up to 50% off their next sewer bill.  For more information, please call 302-395-5520.

Dog Licenses

Residents age 65 or older pay only the administrative fee for dog licenses.  For more information, please call 302-395-5107.

Give Back!

Volunteers help provide important programs and services to New Castle County residents. The rewards of volunteering are many—help others, share your expertise, and gain new skills.  Volunteer with:
  • Libraries-Book Buddy Program
  • Homework Help Club for Youth
  • Rewire to be Rehired: A job-readiness program for the unemployed

Special Events:

  • Holiday Open House
  • Platinum Picnic
  • Make A Difference Day and other national days of service
And More:
  • Rockwood Museum
  • Senior Roll Call Life Line
  • Absalom Jones Senior Center

Learn about volunteer opportunities near you at www.createthegood.org.  To volunteer please call 302-395-5651 or visit www.nccde.org/communityservices.

Important Numbers

  • CALL 911 IF YOU ARE HAVING AN EMERGENCY
  • New Castle County Non-Emergency 302-573-2800
  • New Castle County General Number 302-395-5555
  • New Castle County Executive Paul G. Clark 302-395-5101
  • New Castle County Council 302-395-8383
  • Clerk of the Peace, Ken Boulden 302-395-7780
  • Recorder of Deeds, Michael Kozikowski 302-395-7700
  • Register of Wills, Ciro Poppiti 302-395-7800
  • Sheriff,Trinidad Navarro 302-395-8450
  • Sewer Emergency Hotline 302-395-5700
  • Department of Community Services 302-395-5613
  • State of Delaware, Division of Aging/Services 800-223-9074
  • New Castle County Offices 302-391-3500
  • 911 Special Needs Registry 302-744-2682
  • Adult Protective Services 800-223-9074
  • Alzheimer's 24 Hour Hotline 800-272-3900
  • CONTACT Lifeline 302-761-9100
  • Crisis Intervention 800-262-9800
  • Suicide Prevention 800-652-2929
  • Mental Health Hotline 800-345-6785
  • V.A. Caregivers Support Line 855-260-3279
To request of a copy of the State of Delaware Guide to Services for Older Delawareans and Persons with Disabilities, please contact the Delaware Division of Aging and Disability Resource Center at 800-223-9074.