The Sewanee Senior Citizens Center has won a $50,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging to rebuild its sagging floor and install gutters and drainage to protect the building from water in the future. The Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) has awarded grant funding to 125 senior centers in Tennessee totaling $5 million.

Grantees will receive one-time funding to support senior centers across all three regions, providing older adults with access to programming, health and wellness resources and social connection.

“Senior centers offer physical, emotional and mental nourishment to older adults across the Volunteer State,” said DDA Commissioner Brad Turner. “It’s vital that we as a state agency do all we can to help senior centers thrive. These grants will ensure that over 100 centers in both rural and urban communities are better equipped to serve our growing aging population with updated equipment, upgraded facilities and engaging programming.”

The Sewanee Senior Citizens Center has been providing hot meals and social activities to 50-80 people each weekday since its establishment in 1978. The Center will be closed for renovations beginning Oct. 20 and expects to re-open in December.

When asked for comment Board President Dan Sargent said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you – be a servant to the community.”