 Services
for Senior Citizens in Sheridan County began in 1972 with the formation
of a group called the “Senior Citizen's Coordinating
Council”. At
that time, services specifically for seniors were virtually
non-existent.
The group met once a month to determine what services were available
from
other organizations and what needs were not being met.
In 1973, with the
passing of the Older American's Act, federal funding became available
for
a number of programs that would benefit people 60 years of age and
older.
This same year the Coordinating Council incorporated into the private
non-profit
organization known as “The Sheridan Senior Center”.
 After
the first van was purchased in 1973, a network of services and supports
developed at a quick and steady pace. In 1975, the Sheridan
City
Council began supporting the organization by providing financial
support
and office space at the City Hall. In 1976, the first Senior
Nutrition
Meal site was opened in the Salvation Army Community Center.
In 1980, the Sheridan
Senior Center was built with funds from the Optional One Cent Sales Tax
and private donations. The building was expanded and
remodeled in
1990 to make room for the Home-Delivered Meals and “Day Break”
Programs.
In 2001, the parking lot was expanded and three new offices were built
with the addition of a new Family Caregiver Program.
 On
June 30, 2003, construction began on the building renovation and
expansion
of the Sheridan Senior Center, which is located at 211 Smith
Street.
On a daily basis, over five hundred people use some service provided by
the Senior Center. The organization simply was running out of
space
to accommodate everyone. The Board of Directors set a
campaign goal
of $2 million dollars. Due to the generosity of foundations,
funds
from the optional one-cent sales tax, donations, pledges and grants
over
$2.3 million have been raised.
The most recent expansion
and remodeling project was successfully completed in July of
2004.
The construction included the addition of 5,200 square feet and major
renovation
of most of the building. A new 6,000 square foot Transit
Facility
was also built this year to house the Senior Center's Transportation
Program.
PEOPLE SERVED
The aging population
is growing not only nationally but right here in Sheridan
County.
The 2000 Census shows the percentage of people 60 years of age and over
is 22.9%. That is almost double today's national
average. Sheridan
is known as a retirement community not only because of the beautiful
scenery
and small town atmosphere, but also due to the fact that the community
has comprehensive services and supports for its senior
citizens.
THE SHERIDAN
SENIOR CENTER TODAY
The Sheridan Senior
Center provides a wide range of comprehensive services to people 60
years
of age and older. Six communities are located in the 2,500
square
miles that make up Sheridan County: The City of Sheridan, the
towns
of Ranchester, Dayton, Clearmont, Big Horn, and Story. The Senior
Center
provides services in each of these communities and many places in
between.
|
