USDA Rural Development State Director Maxine Moul met with the Board and Manager Karen Crooks at the Boyd County Senior Center in Spencer, Nebraska today to tour the facility and see what Rural Development funds had helped to accomplish for the Center.
“I like visiting the communities that we have assisted on project funding,” said Moul. “Seeing the results of how we help rural residents with their senior center needs is important as it is a place for them to gather and find fellowship.”
Boyd County Senior Center received a USDA grant in the amount of $18,000. The senior center contributed $7,580 in cash and $1,920 in volunteer labor along with $5,500 from the Spencer Community Foundation. Funds were used to enlarge and renovate the existing kitchen.
“It is the mission of the Boyd County Senior Center to keep seniors independent and connected through meal programs, social and educational services and recreational events. Without the USDA Rural Development Grant, the support of the Spencer Community Foundation and the Boyd County community at large the Senior Center would not have been able to improve our kitchen. Our new kitchen allows us to more effectively and efficiently prepare meals for the senior meals program through the Older Americans Act,” said Crooks. “ The Center is here for the senior citizens of Boyd County, so any positive partnerships and improvements benefits all citizens of Boyd County,” continued Crooks.
The senior center project was funded in part through the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant program.For more information contact Roberta Mues at 308-237-3118 ext.1128.
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.