On Lok House – Comfort and community in Chinatown
In the heart of Philadelphia’s vibrant Chinatown neighborhood, On Lok House stands as a pillar of support and community for older adults and people living with disabilities. Since 1985, this nonprofit organization has provided affordable housing, essential services, and a safe and nurturing environment for its residents.
On Lok House serves a mostly older adult Asian community. The organization goes beyond mere accommodation, offering a culturally and linguistically sensitive space designed to enhance comfort and belonging for Chinese-speaking individuals. Emphasizing social engagement, the senior center at On Lok hosts a variety of programs and activities.
“At On Lok House, we believe in providing more than just housing. We strive to create a supportive network where every resident feels valued and respected,” said Jennifer Wang, On Lok House senior center director. “Our organization’s commitment to equality and dignity is evident in the personalized care and access to social service programs, ensuring that older adults lead fulfilling lives, even with financial or physical limitations.”
Located centrally in Chinatown, the senior center currently has about 1,600 registered members, geographically distributed throughout Philadelphia. The lunch program is the most popular activity at On Lok House, with about 55-65 members attending daily. Socialization draws more than 200 participants annually for planned activities, including teatime and reading programs. Health promotion is also a popular offering with 300 participants each year for varied activities, including armchair exercise, tai chi and line dancing.
Recreational activities, including karaoke, mahjong and social dance, attract more than 100 older adults annually. Other routine activities at On Lok senior center include information and assistance services, nutrition education, arts and crafts classes, counseling, and volunteer opportunities.
For older adults and individuals with disabilities in Philadelphia, On Lok House continues to uphold its longstanding mission of enhancing quality of life through compassionate service and a strong sense of community. OLH hopes to extend its services and reach out to other older adults outside of Chinatown so that more of them can stay connected with the community outside of their homes.
Come to On Lok House!
On Lok House, located at 219 N. 10th St. in Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood, is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact the center at 215-925-3118. To learn more about additional senior community centers located throughout the city, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org/senior-centers.
