Lying in the heart of Mid-America and the historical crossroads of two US highways, Macon, Missouri is a city with a rich cultural heritage and strong vision for the future. Macon offers the amenities of a small friendly city with the advantages of a growing city. History acknowledges the fact that in 1872 a man named John Beaumont, a real estate man and promoter, donated 10,000 young maple trees in payment of taxes of $116.00 to the City of Macon. Now Macon is known as the "City of Maples" with over 275,000 maple trees.
As the senior population increases yearly, the Senior Center of Macon saw an increasing need for nutritious meals to be provided to the older residents. Plans were made, blueprints were drawn, and the search for funding was begun in earnest.
The determination and fortitude of the Board of Directors resulted in funding for a new 4,500 square foot senior nutrition center. USDA Rural Development was able to fund a Community Facilities (CF) grant a direct loan. Additionally, the State of Missouri through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program will provide a grant towards the total cost of the project.
The CDBG and USDA financial assistance means a lot to the community and the Senior Center of Macon whereas we will have an accessible facility to provide services to the seniors and meet the needs of the community,” said John Richard Jones the Senior Center Board President. “We appreciate the assistance of USDA and Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments in the respective application processes as well as Bank Midwest and Macon Senior Housing on making the site available and the Macon County Commissioners for sponsoring the CDBG application.”
Thanks to dedicated people anxious to improve the quality of life in their hometown, senior residents will enjoy fun, fellowship, and a delicious lunch in one place. Home delivered meals will be provided for those who cannot make the trip to the center.
A community room will be a welcome addition and will be handicapped accessible, improving the well-being of older adults by responding to their diverse needs and interests. Hot meals, good conversation and caring interaction will be on the menu each day at the Senior Nutrition Center.
To find out how USDA Rural Development can assist your community, click here.
