POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced today $500,000 has been awarded to enhance and improve eight local community senior centers through the 2025 Dutchess County Municipal Investment Grant (MIG) Program. These grants are part of Dutchess County’s ongoing commitment to helping older adults stay active and energized through social and recreational activities.
Dutchess County Executive Serino said, “Our older adults are the heart of our community. They’ve spent their lives giving so much to others, and we want to be sure they have places where they feel valued, connected, and cared for. These grants are about more than just fixing buildings – they’re about making sure every center feels inviting, so the people who walk through those doors can continue to build connections and enjoy being together. I’m so proud we can make these investments to support the centers that make such a difference in their lives every single day.”
The $500,000 MIG funding was dedicated for capital infrastructure improvements and enhancements to local senior centers and senior friendship centers through a Dutchess County Legislature amendment to the 2025 County Budget. Eligible applicants were municipalities and non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation that own or have a long-term lease for the facility that currently operates or will operate a senior center or senior friendship center at a minimum of 12 hours per week.
Dutchess County Legislature Majority Leader Deirdre A. Houston said, “These projects each reflect my heartfelt intent when I proposed this funding for the 2025 County Budget: fulfilling our goal to create safe, welcoming spaces where Dutchess County’s older adults can enjoy social opportunities, receive support and participate in programs that truly enrich their lives.”
Projects funded through the 2025 Municipal Investment Grant Program include:
City of Beacon Housing Authority, $24,000 – Renovate bathrooms; install new window coverings, a moveable room divider, gazebo and an automated external defibrillator; and purchase supplies for activities at the Dutchess County Office for the Aging (OFA) Friendship Center at Forrestal Heights.
First Presbyterian Church of Pleasant Valley, $88,000 – Upgrade flooring and stairs and install air conditioning units in the fellowship hall used for the OFA Tri-Town Friendship Center.
Edwin Smith, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for First Presbyterian Church of Pleasant Valley, said, “We appreciate Dutchess County’s support of the important programs we offer local older adults. The men and women we serve have contributed greatly to our community over the years, and we’re thrilled to provide them vital socialization and recreation to ensure they age with grace and know their community continues to value them.”
Red Hook Community Center, Inc., $160,000 – Renovate bathrooms; improve outdoor area accessibility; and upgrade exterior and interior entrance accessibility and parking lot at the OFA Red Hook Friendship Center.
Town of Dover, $20,000 – Purchase new tables, chairs, appliances, smart board and storage shed and to upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units at the Town’s senior center, located at the American Legion Hall.
Town of East Fishkill, $57,000 – Replace the roof at the Town and OFA senior center, located at the East Fishkill Community Center.
Town of Union Vale, $20,000 – Install new ceiling, lighting and automatic doors and replace the flooring at the Town’s senior center, located at Tymor Park.
Town of Wappinger, $75,000 – Expand the existing kitchen; purchase new appliances; relocate a bathroom; and install new flooring at the Town’s senior center, located at the Wappinger Town Hall.
Town of Washington, $56,000 – Renovate the Town’s existing senior center, located at the Town of Washington Park’s Turletes Building, including weatherization improvements and addition of a kitchen with new appliances and a second bathroom.
In addition to senior centers operated by various municipalities throughout the county, the Dutchess County Office for the Aging (OFA) operates eight friendship centers, where older adults can savor a delicious, healthy meal while engaging in social activities and building friendships. All OFA friendship centers are open to every County resident, age 60+, regardless of municipal boundaries. Additional information, including a list of all OFA friendship centers, respective operating days and hours, activities calendars, as well as contact information, is available at dutchessny.gov/aging.
