Gothenburg’s senior center is popular hangout for older crowd

LINCOLN, NEB. (March 28, 2008)—CD Week recognizes and highlights the importance of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.  The 2008 Community Development Week theme “CDBG: On the Right Road” offers communities the opportunity to celebrate successful projects and champion the program, which for the past 30-plus years has made communities stronger.

All people deserve a comfortable, safe place to go where they can socialize with their peers.  For Gothenburg’s senior citizens, however, their local “hangout” was out dated and in need of major renovations.  With the help of CDBG funding, Gothenburg was able to update its 23-year-old senior center and, in the process, allow senior citizens to remain in their homes by providing three square meals and a place to go for interaction.
The senior center, which first opened on November 7, 1983, not only provided a social environment, meeting place, and educational atmosphere, but meals through the Meals on Wheels program, blood pressure clinics and exercise classes, and a medical equipment loan program that provided wheelchairs and walkers at no charge.  Open five days a week, the center is also used for private and public events or as an emergency shelter.
“The kitchen was outdated and inconvenient, appliances small and unreliable, and storage almost non-existent,” said Connie Dalrymple, city clerk. 
The front entryway was only big enough to accommodate one table for taking tickets, greeting guests, or answering the phone; storage space was so minimal that pool tables and other equipment were stored in the dining room.  The office was in desperate need of a makeover and more room for quilting and craft projects.  Even lighting in certain areas of the building was insufficient.
The City of Gothenburg applied for and received $215,011 in funds from the Department of Economic Development.  Adding its own $88,032 in matching funds, Gothenburg enlisted volunteers of all ages, including its seniors to undertake the renovations. 
These days, more seniors than ever are enjoying their ‘new and improved hangout.’  A new game room provides space for the pool table and equipment, not to mention, a noticeably more fun, interactive environment.  With additional storage and office space, traffic flow is no longer a problem, and the center is able to accommodate larger events.  In addition to a more modernized kitchen, the center now features a designated computer lab.  Plans are still being formulated for other ways that the facility can be used by the community.  Creative writing classes, computer classes, and insurance counseling are just a few of the new activities to be held at the senior center.
The Gothenburg Senior Center is now a hub of activity for senior citizens and the community as a whole.  During the day, seniors can count on the vital services provided through the center, such as meals, health care, and social activities which help them to live happier, independent lives.
The National Community Development Association initiated National Community Development Week in 1986 to remind Congress of the importance of the CDBG program. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development administers the annual CDBG program funding for all communities outside of Omaha and Lincoln.

FOR INFORMATIONCONTACT
Patty Wood at 800-426-6505, 402-471-1559, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it