Flooding impacts senior center

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     The Van Matre Senior Activity and Wellness Center in Mountain Home is in serious need of help after rains in July and August flooded their facility. Senior Director at Van Matre, Kimberly Beasley, said the center was in need of help prior to the damage caused by flooding.


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     Beasley says the center is a vital part of the community as it serves seniors in a variety of ways.


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     The senior center is a non profit organization. It operates on funds provided by donations, grants and government programs, but they are not a government agency. Beasley says when funds are short for one program, other programs may suffer.


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     In Arkansas, 49 percent of seniors are below the poverty line. Arkansas also has the highest number of food insecure seniors. Food insecurity leads to higher rates of medical problems and Beasley says, the numbers are going to worsen as baby boomers become seniors.

     This fall, the Van Matre Senior Activity and Wellness Center will hold a variety of fund raisers, but those who wish to help now can go to the centers go fund me page at gofundme.com/VanMatreSAC.






   

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