Kimball Friendship Senior Center recently received a $1,500 grant from the Immanuel Vision Foundation, part of more than $230,000 in grants given.
The Immanuel Vision Foundation in Omaha gave $1,500 to 155 senior programs throughout the state in eight regional Agencies on Aging.
"As our population ages, senior centers have increased demands," said Executive Director Rev. Mark Grorud. "The Immanuel Vision Foundation wants to help improve the lives of Nebraska seniors and their families by supporting increased programming and strengthened services."
Locally, Eileen Rowley, site manager for Kimball Nutrition Program, applied for the grant through the Aging Office of Western Nebraska.
This is the first time that the local senior center and nutrition program has applied for these funds, and Rowley said the funds will be used for the center's carry-out program as well as their dine-in meals. The funds will go into an account and will then be used to support the nutrition of area seniors as it is needed.
The Immanuel Vision Foundation was established by Immanuel, a Nebraska leader in senior retirement housing and services. As a not-for-profit organization, Immanuel does not pay profits to shareholders and instead reinvests income into residents and the communities they serve and seeks to support organizations that demonstrate financial stability, strong leadership, and consistent planning while implementing innovation and catalytic opportunities guided by clearly defined objectives and strategic plans.
"Immanuel is committed to being part of the fabric of the communities we serve," said Chief Executive Officer Eric Gurley. "For nearly 13 decades, we've grown and changed but never strayed from the mission set forth by our founders-to serve our neighbors, to fill gaps in health and services, and to express Christ's love in our lives and our works."
In addition to this grant, support from citizens is also appreciated, according to Rowley, all of which goes through the Aging Office of Western Nebraska.
"We have a "Feed a hungry senior" program. People can donate money for people who don't have the money for food," she said.
For more information about supporting the aging citizens in our area, please contact the Aging Office of Western Nebraska by calling 308-635-0851 or visiting their website at http://www.aown.org.