16 UC Senior Centers Receive Grant Funding For Improvements

Sixteen Upper Cumberland Senior Centers received an $8,000 state grant for capital improvements.

Algood Senior Center Director Brenda Dishman said seniors use the community center as its meeting place. Dishman said she plans to use the grant for new flooring at the facility.

“Our flooring that we currently have have little raised spots in it that could possibly cause someone to trip and fall,” Dishman said. “We’re very careful about the safety and health of our participants.”

Dishman said the new laminate floor would also be a cosmetic upgrade compared to the current materiel. Fentress County Senior Center Director Alice Kirby said its grant will be used for a new warming table or sink to improve its meals program.

“It’s just a boost to our center overall, because it helps improve,” Kirby said. “Our whole goal is to continually improve the lives of seniors across the Upper Cumberland.”

Kirby said the center serves 120 meals a day through the program.  The funding comes from the State Commission on Aging and Disability. Four senior centers in Putnam County received grants as well as Byrdstown, Clay, Jackson, Van Buren and White County.

Dishman said she believes the grant funding will reach the local level by the end of the year. The grant applications were facilitated through UCDD.