State Rep. Patsy Hazlewood and State Senator Bo Watson on Friday announced that the Soddy Daisy Senior Center will receive an $8,000 state grant to advance senior center projects in Hamilton County.
The funds are part of $1 million appropriation approved by the Tennessee General Assembly and administered by the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability for senior citizen centers across the state.
“Senior centers help improve the quality of life of our aging population by providing them with valuable opportunities to remain engaged and active in our community,” Rep. Hazlewood said. “This important investment will ensure that continues. I appreciate the General Assembly’s unwavering commitment to senior citizens in Tennessee.”
The appropriated funds are part of a $52.8 billion balanced budget passed by the 112th General Assembly in April.
"A quality senior center can strengthen a community and change the lives of its citizens," said Senator Watson. "They offer great educational services and programs that can lead to better health outcomes for aging citizens. I am glad the General Assembly prioritized senior centers in this year's budget and allocated funds for these worthwhile grants, which will help improve the services and facilities at these centers."
TCAD awarded 125 grants in 89 counties through a competitive application process, said James Dunn, executive director for TCAD. The grants must be used to pay for operating, administrative, programing, and preventive maintenance costs. The funds will also allow many senior centers to accomplish capital projects for the upkeep and operations of their facilities and equipment.
Click here for information about the grants.