The Forsyth Senior Friendship Center is excited to announce coming updates to help them better serve not only senior citizens, but entire communities of central and eastern Taney County with valuable connections and resources. Funding distributed by counties through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), grant funding from White River Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation, and a grant from the Taney County Community Partnership, along with proceeds from the Center’s thrift stores and farmers market, will combine to help fund several improvements to facilities and services.
The Senior Center serves the Walnut Shade, Merriam Woods, Forsyth, Taneyville, Bradleyville, Kissee Mills, Kirbyville and Cedar Creek communities, offering nutritious lunches every weekday, including lunches for homebound seniors, as well as games, activities a variety of classes, and live music several times each month. In addition, the Center facilitates a loaner/exchange program for hospital beds, walkers, shower chairs and other equipment, including pick-up and delivery. The Center also finds ways to help seniors stay connected in the community, including a mentor program currently being designed that will pair a senior with a teen or tween for a mutually beneficial grandparent-type relationship.
A thrift store and furniture store, both located in Forsyth, help fund programs and activities. Other services include tax preparation assistance at no charge, access to persons trained in navigating Medicare sign-up and yearly Medicare changes, and a twice-monthly toenail clinic by a registered nurse, helping those who have difficulty performing that task while also screening for problems such as infections or diabetes complications. Visit the Forsyth Senior Friendship Site page on Facebook to stay up to date on activities, lunch menus, etc.
The Senior Center itself has, for many practical purposes, outgrown its current facility at 13879 U.S. Hwy. 160 in Forsyth. In 2017, the Center board was able to purchase land, including a building that formerly housed a garage business, at 11048 E. St. Hwy. 76, on what is locally known as Manley Hill. The rear half of the building was renovated and an open-air front pavilion added, thanks to generous donors John and Carla Stauffer, and now houses the Local Harvest Farmers Market. This thriving market is open Saturdays, May through December, with one of the area’s best selections of local produce, crafts, snacks, local meats, honey and more, along with live music and plenty of fun and fellowship.
The recently-received grant monies will be used to install indoor bathrooms at the Market building, making it an even more friendly venue for music, dances and other events. Check out Farmers Market photos and news on Facebook (Forsyth MO Farmers Market Local Harvest).
In addition, Senior Center volunteers and officers are excited to move forward with grant funds on another anticipated project, a Community Garden, which will be located adjacent to the market. After visiting several area gardens for ideas, a plan is in place to build 40 raised beds, plus additional round beds, in time for use next spring. Details will be forthcoming about renting garden space, how to volunteer, etc., making this a wonderful way for area residents to grow fresh, healthy food along with learning opportunities and more fellowship.
Plans are also moving forward for construction of a much-needed new building to house the Friendship Center itself, with all the activities. The Center has secured $350,000 in Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits administered by the Department of Economic Development. With a minimum amount of paperwork, businesses registered in the State of Missouri can donate to the building project and receive a 70% write-off on state income taxes, and in some cases, even federal taxes; for example, a $100,000 donation qualifies for $70,000 in tax credit. The credits can be split during a five-year time frame.
If this sounds like a great way for your business to enjoy a tax benefit while helping a valuable cause, that’s right—it is! To learn more, contact Senior Friendship Center President Glenda Hunt at 417-844-2113 or fsfcpresident@gmail.com. Not a business owner, but want to help? Ask about the “Buy A Brick” program as well.
Statistics repeatedly show that seniors who are active and avoid isolation stay much healthier into their older years. Whether it’s donating for a tax break or shopping at the Farmers Market, thrift shop, and furniture store, let’s support these opportunities and help give back to senior citizens in our central and eastern Taney County communities.
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