KEYPORT — The Borough Council unanimously approved the acceptance of a grant in the amount of $36,000 to fund the Keyport Senior Center at its March 2 meeting.
The annual grant provided by the Monmouth County Office on Aging, along with borough funding and donations, is the major source of funding for the center, which serves approximately 400 senior residents of Keyport, said Mayor Robert J. Bergen.
Following the council meeting, Bergen lauded the county for providing the funds essential to running the center, located at 110 Second St. According to Lorene K. Wright, Keyport business administrator, the total operating budget for the senior center is $161,000.
“If it were not for this grant, Keyport would not be able to fund the senior center. It really is the difference between making the programs possible,” Bergen said.
Through the many programs offered at the senior center, which include exercise and nutrition programs in addition to art and computer classes, seniors are repaid for their years of contributing to the community, he added. The center is open Monday through Friday.
“We help people who have given to society all their lives who are enjoying their golden years. It really gives some of them the opportunity to come together and stay active,” he said.
The center also provides guest lecturers, counseling and a myriad of other activities and programs.
Another important mission of the programs offered are to help the seniors remain active citizens of Keyport, Bergen said.
“It helps them remain part of the community, which is very hard when you get older and you’re living by yourself,” he said. The center was established in 1992 through grant funding through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Neighborhood Preservation Program.
Wendy Tooker, director of the senior center, expressed gratitude to the borough and the county for the funds.
“We have a wonderful relationship with [Monmouth County Office on Aging],” Tooker said. “We benefit tremendously from the grant.”
She said she owed the success of the center to the support of the borough as well as the dedication of volunteers.
“We couldn’t function without the volunteers,” she added.