In the late 1970s, Marylen Mann visited several senior centers around St. Louis and observed older adults sitting idly around, working on rudimentary crafts and playing bingo. At that time, little thought was given to creating meaningful programs for aging adults.
After those visits, Mann remarked, “We can do better for older adults.” In 1982, with a small grant, that vision came to life—rapidly growing into a national nonprofit organization that redefined what successful aging could look like and changed how Americans view and value an older population.
More than 43 years later, St. Louis Oasis continues that mission with passion, promoting healthy aging through lifelong learning, volunteerism, and community engagement. Participants don’t just attend classes—they discover new passions, connect with peers, and find renewed purpose.
Volunteerism is at the heart of this work. Through Oasis’ Intergenerational Tutoring Program, older adults mentor young students, helping children gain confidence while volunteers experience the joy of making a difference. Beyond tutoring, volunteers support class registration, lead programs, and serve as ambassadors, ensuring that the spirit of St. Louis Oasis reaches far into the community.
“Oasis staff and volunteers care deeply about our mission and our community,” said Chief Program Officer Juliet Simone. “We partner with dozens of organizations to host programs all around the St. Louis Metro area. Our team comes from a wide array of backgrounds like public health, occupational therapy, psychology, social work, and education.”
Locally, St. Louis Oasis offers fitness and music classes at Webster United Methodist and an abundance of programming at the Center of Clayton. From arts and history to wellness, fitness, and technology, participants find countless opportunities to stay active, keep learning, and share their gifts—whether in the classroom or as a volunteer.
Discover your passion, share your gifts, and be part of a community that values lifelong learning. Join St. Louis Oasis today and see how you can enrich your life—and the lives of others. Learn more at stloasis.org or by calling 314-862-4859.