What would become the Joslyn Center started with a community meeting of 40 people who called themselves the Palm Desert Senior Association. The group met alternately between 2 churches but as numbers grew, it became clear that a permanent location was needed. An empty office space was donated and the first center opened.

With initial funding from local philanthropist Merritt Joslyn, whose family had long supported charities focused on senior issues and for whom the center is named, construction began on a permanent location. The cities of Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert also contributed to the building costs and support of the center.

More than 750 people attended the center's grand opening on February 22.

A second, larger building was constructed that now houses the Arthur Newman Theatre, Joslyn Wellness Center, and several conference rooms.

The Joslyn Wellness Center is established