Grant used for Sunshine Center updates

The Sunshine Center in Ash Grove was able to get new countertops for their kitchen earlier this year, purchase a step machine for their exercise room and make some other improvements, thanks to a generous grant from the Greene County Senior Services Fund.
“We got $14,000 approved to purchase the kitchen counters and the NuStep machine, and to make some improvements on the bathrooms,” said Catherine Medley, one of the center’s board members.
The Sunshine Center was also awarded an $8,000 food enhancement grant, which helps with the low-cost lunches the center serves on weekdays.
“We receive money to help supplement the food, to upgrade the food service,” she said.
Medley said the Sunshine Center applies for a grant from the Greene County Senior Services Fund to help them make continuous improvements to the building. For example, in 2020, the fund awarded the center $23,000 to install new flooring, as well as a $7,000 food enhancement grant. Medley said no one should underestimate how important that was.
“(The new flooring) was a really big asset to the center,” she said.
Medley wrote the grant for this year’s funds. She said it was important that they apply by the end of each calendar year so they will have the maximum amount of time available to utilize the grant money they receive.
“We have to spend it before the end of the year or the funds go back to the Senior Fund,” she said.
As for next year’s grant, Medley already has some ideas of what the Sunshine Center could use.
“Of course, we’ll apply for the food enhancement grant,” she said, “and you know, we might need to take a look at our exercise equipment to see if we have any new needs there (or) any kitchen equipment.”
Medley also said it is necessary to consistently make improvements to the Sunshine Center, as it plays an important role in the lives of many Ash Grove senior citizens. One benefit it provides to the older population, she said, is affordable meals.
“We provide daily meals for lunch,” she said, “and it's $3.50 for anyone over 60 and $6 for anyone else. Anyone can come and eat … (and) it’s a very nice place to come get a good meal. It’s a home-cooked meal, and (you get) to have some camaraderie with the community.”
Other services and activities the Sunshine Center hosts, Medley said, included tax services, games, various classes and more.
“What we want to provide is a safe, clean environment,” she said, “(and) provide the camaraderie with the other seniors, the nutritious meals and recreational activities.”

More info
For more information on the Sunshine Center, call 417-751-3826. More information about the Greene County Senior Services Fund is available at www.greenecountymo.gov/senior_tax_fund/index.php.