The St. Anthony Community Center will unveil its new name, logo and brand during a community celebration and fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 10 at Juniper by Tonic in downtown Wilmington.

Wilmington organization will also mark the 40th anniversary of its Meals on Wheels program during a Sept. 10 fundraiser

WILMINGTON — After more than five decades of serving children, older adults and families, St. Anthony’s Community Center is preparing to introduce a new name and identity designed to reflect the breadth of the organization’s work today.

The center will unveil its new name, logo and brand during a community celebration and fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 10 at Juniper by Tonic in downtown Wilmington.

The event will mark the organization’s 55th anniversary and celebrate 40 years of delivering meals and support to older adults through its Meals on Wheels program.

“Our new identity better reflects the breadth of the programs and services we provide today and our vision for the future,” said Kim Caputo, executive director of St. Anthony’s Community Center.

Why the new identity matters

For a community organization, a brand is more than a name or logo. It tells residents whom the organization serves, helps families recognize where they can find assistance and gives donors, volunteers and community partners a clearer understanding of the work they are supporting.

St. Anthony’s name is well known in Wilmington, but it may not fully communicate the organization’s expanded role across New Castle County. Some residents may associate the center primarily with senior activities without realizing that it also provides countywide meal delivery, housing for older adults, early childhood education and caregiver resources.

A clearer identity can help connect more people with those services. It also can strengthen the organization’s ability to attract financial support, recruit volunteers and develop partnerships with health care providers, government agencies, businesses and other nonprofits.

That increased visibility will be important as the needs of older adults, caregivers, children and families continue to grow. By presenting its programs as parts of one coordinated mission, the organization hopes to serve more residents while preparing for its next generation of community work.

More than a senior center

Although St. Anthony’s has long been associated with services for older Wilmington residents, its work has expanded substantially since the organization was founded.

Today, the center operates the Meals on Wheels program throughout New Castle County, provides housing and activities for older adults, runs an early learning center and helps families caring for aging or disabled loved ones through its caregiver resource center.

Those programs allow the organization to serve people at several stages of life — from children beginning their education to older adults who want to remain independent in their homes.

The new identity is intended to bring those services under a name and brand that more clearly communicate the organization’s countywide reach and multigenerational mission.

The name will remain under wraps until the Sept. 10 celebration.

Four decades of delivering more than meals

The celebration also will recognize the 40th anniversary of St. Anthony’s Meals on Wheels program.

For four decades, the program has delivered meals to older adults across New Castle County. The visits also provide regular personal contact and an important connection for residents who may live alone or have difficulty leaving their homes.

Meals on Wheels has become one of St. Anthony’s most visible programs, but the organization’s expanding services reflect the increasingly complex needs of older adults and their families.

Its newest initiative, the caregiver resource center, connects caregivers with information and assistance as they navigate the responsibilities of helping an aging or disabled family member.

A celebration with a purpose

The New Brand Launch Party and Fundraiser will give community members an opportunity to see the new name and logo, learn more about St. Anthony’s programs and help support its continuing work.

The evening will include drinks, raffles, a silent auction and guest bartending.

State Sen. Dan Cruce, who represents the 1st Senate District, will serve as a guest bartender and present a proclamation recognizing the organization’s new name. Other state and community leaders also have been invited.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support programs serving older adults, children, families and caregivers throughout Wilmington and New Castle County.

The organization said the rebranding represents a new chapter rather than a departure from its history. Its mission will continue to focus on responding to the changing needs of the community while building on more than 55 years of service.

To Go Box:

• What: St. Anthony’s Community Center New Brand Launch Party and Fundraiser
• When: Sept. 10, 6-9 p.m.
• Where: Juniper by Tonic, 111 W. 11th St., Wilmington
• Highlights: Unveiling of the organization’s new name, logo and brand; recognition of its 55th anniversary and the 40th anniversary of its Meals on Wheels program; guest bartending, raffles and a silent auction
• Information: Visit the St. Anthony’s Community Center Facebook page or https://stanthonycenter.org/

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