St. Johns County Council on Aging (COA) recently announced receipt of a grant from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Funds at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida that will greatly improve quality of life for seniors in St. Johns County.
The grant of $545,000 has provided the balance of funds necessary to construct phase one of COA’s Shelter and Shade project at their senior center facilities at 180 Marine St., St. Augustine. The grant also enables matching grant opportunities to support completion of phase two of the project.
The Shelter and Shade project phase one will raise the elevation of the building entrance and construct a covered portico and other improvements to provide shelter from the elements and ease of access for participants.
“We cannot thank Delores Barr Weaver enough for her generosity and support for our mission,” COA Executive Director Becky Yanni said. “We are so excited to be able to create more protection, more comfort and more joy for the seniors in our community.”
St. Augustine’s A.D. Davis Construction will oversee the improvements, designed by Open City Architecture and Marquis, Latimer + Halback Inc. In 2009, A.D. Davis Construction built River House, COA’s lifelong learning center and events venue at 179 Marine St., St. Augustine.
Phase two of the Shelter and Shade project will refinish and screen the outdoor deck for Sunshine Center adult daycare participants, so they may sit outside year-round in the shade and enjoy nature therapy in COA’s garden.
COA’s 180 Marine St. facility houses the Coastal Community Senior Center, one of six senior centers COA operates throughout the county, and the Sunshine Center, COA’s adult daycare center. Participants are able to enjoy the company of friends, engaging activities, nutritious lunches and, in the case of the Sunshine Center, skilled nursing care in a secured environment for those dealing with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other brain disorders.
The Sunshine Center also provides crucial respite time for caregivers and caregiver support and education through COA’s Community Care-Giving program. COA offers transportation to and from the centers for participants through their Paratransit bus service. Paratransit buses are equipped to accommodate assistive devices such as wheelchairs and walkers, and transport participants door-to-door from their homes to COA centers safely.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Delores Barr Weaver in making this much-needed improvement a reality,” said COA Development Manager Amy Robinson. “We thank The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida for facilitating and helping make this possible.”
With the support of this grant, COA asks members of the community and local businesses to join in the effort to complete phase two of the project. To contribute to the project, contact Robinson at 904-209-3700. Donations may also be made online at coasjc.org/donate.
For more information on the comprehensive programs and services COA provides for older adults and caregivers in St. Johns County, go to coasjc.org, or call 904-209-3700.
