Last week King County Executive Dow Constantine, as part of King County’s investments of over $20.6 million to senior centers across the region, announced that the Central Area Senior Center (CASC) and the Des Moines/Normandy Park Senior Activity Center were jointly awarded $1.5 million to support an innovative African Diaspora Hub.
The funding for this 4.5-year effort is designed to bring more African American and African immigrant seniors into these centers, and will transforms the centers into a senior hub that serves as the recognized resource center on aging services and provide support, outreach, connection, and social engagement for elders of the African Diaspora in Central Seattle and South King County.
Funding was made possible thanks to voter approval of the expanded Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy that, for the first time, includes funding dedicated to older adults and caregivers.
“King County is investing in programs specifically designed to improve the quality of life for our local seniors and their families,” said Constantine. “Thanks to King County voters, we are making healthy aging a priority, and the support we’re providing for these senior centers will significantly increase access to services for older adults throughout the region.”
According to Dian Ferguson, executive director of the Central Area Senior Center, this award will help The Central win full site control. The City currently holds the deed to The Central’s property and the City Council will vote on an ordinance to transfer the deed to the Central this fall.
“The timing is perfect,” said Ferguson. As it proves the county has full confidence in our abilities to deliver and innovate vital services that seniors rely on every day to stay healthy and enhance their lives.” However, according to Ferguson, the catch is that CASC needs an additional $55,000 in their bank account by Sept. 1 to meet the requirements of the building transfer.
“We must add $55,000 to our bank account balance to meet the requirements for this transfer,” she said. “We’re asking everyone to support our $55K Challenge with donations or pledges of 55¢, $155, $555, or more. We are celebrating 55 because that is the age when one becomes a senior. We also celebrate 55 years of service to seniors in our communities.”
Tax deductible donations can be made out to Central Area Senior Center and dropped off at 500 30th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144. Please write “$55K Challenge” in the memo area.
For more information, call CASC at (206) 726-4926.
