Seniors Get a Home of Their Own

Posted on: Jul 21st, 2015 | News and Announcements

Seniors in Mt. Vernon will have reason to celebrate and a home for their celebration. The Mobile County Commission will open the 2,800 square-foot Mt. Vernon Senior Center at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 20. The new facility is located at 1220 Military Road in Mt. Vernon For residents ages 60 and over, a home of their own will be the gathering spot for games, exercise, computer training, and warm lunches. It will be the launch site for trips to the parks, health fairs, and other ?field trips.? It will be the hub for building friendships. ?This is about quality of life for senior citizens who want to stay active and engaged,? said Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood. ?It?s a recreational outlet but also a means to learn and be creative and develop relationships.? Program and center Director Jacquelyn Haynes said the senior program will serve active seniors as well as the homebound, who will receive delivered lunches. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Operational funding is provided by the Alabama Department of Senior Services. The new facility, a Craftsman style, wood-frame building, is located on the grounds of the old Mt. Vernon post office. Construction started in December of last year and incorporates a TV/reading area, a computer room, an exercise area, a warmup kitchen, and a large, multi-purpose area. A landscaped exterior and patio provide an outdoor venue. The project architect is TAG/The Architects Group, Inc.; the contractor is Platt Builders, Inc., ?For some senior citizens, this is the ideal setting to re-establish ties and re-energize their social lives if they have been widowed or suffered other losses,? said Mobile County Commission President Jerry Carl. ?These seniors are vital, active individuals who are mostly out of the work force and seeking others with common interests,? said Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson. Funding for the new facility was provided through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Furnishings were funded with money from the county general fund money, the Gulf Coast Resource Conservation and Development Council and private donations.