Today, shovels of dirt flew on Washington Street at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Senior Center.
“With people living longer these days, it is critical that the senior population has access to these types of services in their own community,” said Randall Gore, State Director USDA Rural Development. “The senior center is an example of the importance that USDA Rural Development places on investments that assist rural communities to provide quality of life for all of its citizens.”
The City of Reidsville has a strong senior citizens' program for adults aged 55 and older through the Senior Center. The new 37,000 square foot senior center and adult day care center will help facilitate an already active senior program that emphasizes the importance of active, healthy lifestyles for older adults in the community. In addition to senior nutrition, activities and physical fitness, the Rockingham County Aging, Disability and Transit Services will provide adult day health care services to residents in the county.
USDA is providing funding through the Community Facilities program which helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These include schools, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted-living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, libraries, community centers, public buildings and transportation. In Fiscal Year 2014, the agency invested more than $1.4 billion in rural North Carolina through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.
USDA Rural Development has 6 Area Offices and 14 field offices across the state serving North Carolinians living in rural areas and communities. Area Office locations are in Asheville, Shelby, Lumberton, Asheboro, Henderson, and Kinston. For more information visit www.rd.usda.gov/nc.
President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.