Carol Johnson | Southern Indiana Business Report
LOOGOOTEE – Several facility upgrades have been made to the Loogootee Senior Center over the past several months, but there’s still more to do to get the center completely renovated.
The City of Loogootee and the Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth launched a crowdfunding campaign this week to raise $14,000 to finish the project. If successful, the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program will match that amount, giving the effort $28,000. The campaign is on the Patronicity platform and runs until 11:45 p.m. July 12. So far, $1,150 has been raised.
In a video posted to the city’s social media page, Mayor Brian Ader called the upgrades “much needed.”
Activities such as fitness classes and card games are currently held in the front half of the building. The back portion remains in poor condition. It needs new flooring, new windows and a handicapped-accessible entrance. Ceiling tiles also need to be replaced.
Completing the improvements will open the door to more offerings, said Jessica Potts, executive director of the Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth.
“There are so many activities going on they really need the full 2,200 square feet of space,” Potts said.
Potts wrote a grant last year to make improvements to the center with the goal of bringing inter-generational programming to the center. The Alliance was awarded nearly $31,000.
A community call-out generated a volunteer effort to get the work done. The renovated front portion has reinvigorated the center, with more seniors participating in activities.
“People want to be together and this space gives them that opportunity,” Potts said in a video interview.
Martin County has been successful in the past with crowdfunding. In 2023, the community raised $40,000 that was equally matched by the IHCDA to build a shelterhouse at Hindostan Falls.
Click here to donate to the Loogootee Senior Center project.
Donors can also send checks, payable to City of Loogootee. In the memo please put “Loogootee Senior Center. ” Mail or drop checks off to 401 John F Kennedy Ave. Loogootee, IN 47553
For information about the project, contact Mayor Brian Ader or Amber Gilbertson at the Mayor’s office by calling 812-295-1000.