While utilization of senior centers has increased for the older population as a whole, participation rates have been low among the poor and minority elderly. The impact of the neighborhood senior center (NSC) on the black elderly was investigated in terms of disengagement potential, acceptability to others, commitment to become involved in senior centers, perception of senior centers, contact with family, and contact with friends. Three groups of black elderly were interviewed: attenders of a NSC (N=46), non-attenders in the same community (N=33), and non-attenders in a comparable community without a NSC (N=27). The results showed that: (1) the attenders and non-attenders in the community with an NSC were significantly more aware of activities and services in senior centers; (2) the attenders of the NSC were more committed to become involved in senior center programs; and (3) the non-attenders in the community without the NSC had significantly more contact with family and friends. There were no significant differences among the three groups for disengagement potential and acceptability to others. The findings suggest that the NSC appears to have some impact on black elderly community members. (Author/NRB)