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Freeholder Board Offers Grants to Improve Senior Centers

best_f73062f6a34274cf80f4_color_union_county_seal-colorThe Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the new “Senior Focus” grant program for 2016. Designed to support the well-being, safety and quality of life for senior adults in Union County, “Senior Focus” funding may be used for repairs and rehabilitation of senior center facilities or equipment for the centers.

“The senior population of Union County is growing, and with ‘Senior Focus’ we demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that local communities have the resources to continue improving their facilities, programs and services,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen.

The new “Senior Focus” grant will make available awards of up to $25,000 to each of Union County’s 21 municipalities for capital improvements or equipment purchases to en
hance their local senior center facilities. Qualifying centers must be owned by the municipality and used exclusively or primarily as a senior center. 

Examples of improvements covered under the grant include ADA access improvements, repairs to or replacement the roof, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and site improvements.

In addition to capital projects, examples of acceptable equipment purchases could include computers/printers, stereos and headphones, and PA systems.

Offered as part of Chairman Bergen’s “Year of the Senior” 2016 initiatives, the new “Senior Focus” program complements the recently announced “Seniors in Motion” program, which provides vans for senior transportation to the County’s municipalities.

“The ‘Year of the Senior’ programs are intended to support our senior adults and provide access to services that impact their quality of life,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board.

Administered through the Department of Human Services, grant applications have been sent to all 21 municipalities and the review process will begin in November. Grant awards will be announced later this year. For more information contact the Office of the Director, Department of Human Services at (908) 527-4808.