Forsyth Senior Friendship Center breaks ground on new building

The Senior Friendship Center in Forsyth celebrated 40 years of serving the community on July 24, with a much-anticipated groundbreaking ceremony for their new building. The new facility will be located adjacent to the Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market at 11048 U.S. Hwy. 76, Forsyth. 

The Senior Friendship Center has spent the past 40 years helping empower senior citizens and building connections in Forsyth and surrounding communities; and at 11,000 square feet, the new facility will help the Center offer even more dynamic programs and events to encourage health, wellness and social engagement. The building will also have meeting rooms, which will be available to the community to rent for special events, as will the dining room. 

Behind all these activities is a valuable team of board members and volunteers who bring vision and purpose, and help with the practicalities of making those a reality. Those team members are grateful for funding toward the building project, including grants from Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Taney County Commission ARPA Funds, White River Electric Economic Development funds and NAP tax credits, along with private donations and proceeds from the Senior Thrift Store and Furniture Store and the Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market. Senior Friendship Center President Glenda Hunt said that while the cash raised and pledged to this point is a major step forward, Center leadership is committed to avoiding debt, and opportunities are still available to participate in this important community project. 

Nearly $400,000 in tax credits are still available through the 70% Missouri NAP tax credit program; with a minimum donation of $5,000 and a simple paperwork process through their bank, registered Missouri businesses can take 70% of their donation right off the top of their state tax owed for that year. Another way to help is the “Buy a Brick, Build a Center” program. Single or double bricks are available and will be used to border a walking path to be developed in the wooded area bordering the new facility. A special veteran brick is also available, listing the veteran’s name and service branch, to be used in the area surrounding the flagpole. Contact Hunt at FSFCPresident@gmail.com or call 417-844-2113 for more information. 

Of course, an ongoing way to get involved is by shopping at the Thrift Store and Furniture Store, as well as the Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market held at the pavilion from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays through the second week in December. Also, new this year is a Wednesday market, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the second week in December. In addition to some vendor offerings similar to the Saturday market, the Wednesday market offers the opportunity to sell flea market or yard sale types of items. For just $5 per space, or $30 for the rest of the season, it’s the perfect opportunity to declutter your home or garage and turn those things you don’t use into someone else’s treasure. 

Looking ahead, the projected timeline for completion of the new building, with SMJ Builders of Branson serving as contractor, is approximately 12 months. In the meantime, consider a space in the community garden, located at the same property. Garden beds are expected to be ready for fall planting by mid-September; call or email for information. 

“We encourage everyone to participate with us and experience our level of enthusiasm for life,” said Hunt. If you’re a senior citizen or know one looking for connections, this is a good time to take advantage of these programs, check out new opportunities and services, and make some new friends!