Honoring Our Past and Shaping a Brighter Future
For more than a generation, the Senior Friendship Center has been a place where older adults in eastern Taney County find connection, wellness, and a sense of belonging.
Since opening our doors in July 1985, we have remained committed to supporting seniors across the communities of Walnut Shade, Merriam Woods, Rockaway Beach, Forsyth, Taneyville, Kissee Mills, Bradleyville, Kirbyville, and Cedar Creek.
What began as a single gathering place has grown into a vibrant hub where people come together to share meals, friendships, resources, and hope.
Recognizing the Need for More Room to Grow
By 2016, our growth had exceeded the capacity of our original building. The Board made an important decision to invest in the future of senior services by purchasing 8.5 acres at 11048 State Highway 76 in January 2017. This land became the foundation for expanding our programs and providing a larger, more welcoming space for our community.
Community Support That Makes Progress Possible
The heart of our progress has always been the commitment of our community. Through proceeds from the Senior Thrift Store and events such as fashion shows, matching fund campaigns, raffles, and pancake breakfasts, we continued to reduce our debt year after year.
Although our 2019 application for 500,000 dollars in NAP Tax Credits was halted because of the pandemic, we continued to move forward. In October 2019, we refinanced our loan and applied a matured certificate of deposit of 76,000 dollars toward the principal. In May 2020, we strengthened our efforts by opening the Senior Furniture Store, giving us another important source of support.
By July 1, 2021, the Seniors of Eastern Taney County proudly became debt free. It took only 20 months of focused community effort to achieve this milestone.
A Community Supported Vision Taking Shape
After becoming debt free, we focused every resource on our Building Fund. In 2024, we received 500,000 dollars in NAP Tax Credits, with 200,000 dollars already sold to supporters. We also received 300,000 dollars from the Taney County Commission through Covid and ARPA funds, along with many generous contributions from individuals and local businesses.
Thanks to this support, construction of the new Senior Friendship Center is now underway, with completion expected in late 2026. The new facility will offer multi-purpose rooms, an exercise room, a game room, arts and crafts areas, and other welcoming spaces designed for wellness, creativity, learning, and connection. This center represents a bright and hopeful future for older adults throughout eastern Taney County.
Together We Build the Future
Every step of our journey reflects the compassion and unity of our neighbors. The progress we have made has been possible because our community believes in supporting older adults and creating a place where no one has to age alone.
We invite everyone to continue being part of this important moment in our history.
Your involvement, whether through volunteering, giving, or sharing our story, helps ensure that seniors throughout eastern Taney County have a welcoming place to learn, grow, connect, and belong.
Thank you for walking beside us and helping shape a strong and hopeful future for the Senior Friendship Center.