Letter to the Editor: Where’s the support for our Senior Centers?

Written by
John Sizemore
Barbourville, Ky.

Of the $7.92 Million handed out to the various local government agencies recently, representatives of both the Corbin and Barbourville senior citizens centers were left disheartened after not a dime was allocated for the senior centers. Both Senior Centers are running short of funds and have been forced to cut back on the days open and the meals served. An appeal was made to the entities receiving the checks to share in their blessings with the senior centers but to date none have complied.

The senior centers are a valuable resource for some seniors trying to pay their bills, maintain a healthy diet, and stay out of nursing homes.

In an interview with Mrs. Anna Baker, a regular at the center, she stated, “After I pay my electric, car insurance, gas, internet and cable, burial insurance, medicine, toiletries, and church offering there isn’t anything left for the most expensive item - FOOD!”

The senior center also provides a place of community for seniors not as strapped for cash and depend on the center as a place to go to prevent isolation. They play games (pool tournaments) reminisce, laugh, sing, and the most importantly, share trials and pray for each other, family, police force, military and nations leaders.

When interviewing Representative Tom O’Dell Smith, he seemed surprised the centers were not receiving adequate funding and were forced to cut back on services. He promised to research the situation and meet with the centers directors to determine a plan of action. “Senior meals are not an option, it’s a priority!” Smith said.

KCEOC Director Paul Dole agreed for the KCEOC agency to take over the Senior Center in Barbourville several years ago and the Center has flourished under his and the KCEOC management team he put in place. The center had been allowed to practically go bankrupt, and the facility was in poor repair. Although Mr. Dole is not present for the day-to-day operations, he placed as Director Mr. Shawn Bingham. Director Bingham runs a tight ship. The place is so clean you could “eat off the bathroom floors.” He fixed the industrial-sized dishwasher that had been broken for years. He is very patient with the seniors who sometimes may have an accident or spill something. He is never mean or cruel. He also works with other local agencies and food banks to provide classes for the seniors, as well as stuff to take home. He makes every dime count and nothing is wasted. Recently, KCEOC began preparing the meals at their main office and there has been a 100-percent improvement in the serving sizes and the quality of the meals. Director Bingham also works with Goodwill agency for job placements in the Senior Center.

In a day where we see millions spent to help so many others, responsible seniors who have built this country through honest sober hard work are forced to do without. “We can do one thing,” Mrs. Anna Baker said, “When it comes election time, we can cast our(s) and our friends and families’ votes against the ones that don’t support us!”