Senior Center Receives $10,000 Matching Grant For Restroom Renovations

The restrooms at the Minden Senior center have seen better days.
More than thirty years of use have taken a toll on the ancient fixtures and the cramped quarters make it extremely difficult for patrons relying on walkers or wheelchairs access the restrooms.
Minden Community Services, the building’s owner, would like to change that and have been notified that a proposed restroom renovation project is eligible for a $10,000  Rogers Foundation Grant.
Kelley Ayres, board member, was notified last week of the possibility of grant funding for the project.
The $10,000 grant is a matching grant, and the group must raise an additional $10,000 by December 1 of this year to receive the funds.
Minden Community Services, Inc. was established 25 years ago when the building was purchased.
The group rents use of the building to Mid-Nebraska Community Action Partnership for the noon meals and other services provided to senior citizens in the community.
“Our primary purpose,” said Kelley Ayres, board member, “is to make the restrooms accessible for the seniors that use the center.  If we can raise the matching funds by December, the plans include building two new bathrooms with wider doors, two stalls, tile floor and new fixtures.”
Ayres hopes that the funds can be raised by community donations, however fund-raising activities may be necessary to raise the money in such a short time frame.
MCS’s funds have been drained by recent building repairs.
This spring, the leaking roof of the Senior Center was repaired through a combination of  private donations and insurance.  In addition, the Senior Center’s A-base electrical meter must be replaced to comply with city ordinance, at a cost of more than $1000.
“The Senior Center is used constantly for the noon meal and other senior activities,” said Ayres. “The building is also rented out for community functions.  It is our hope that the bathroom renovations will not only serve the senior citizens, but will also make the building a better facility for community functions.”