Center vaults major hurdle
IT WOULD BE HARD
to find a better cause for federal stimulus funds to be put to than the Plymouth Intergenerational Center.
As soon as the papers are signed the federal Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, the Plymouth Intergenerational Coalition will receive a $760,000 community development block grant to help build the $4.2 million center at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Douglas Drive.
That will put the group more than halfway toward the total needed to build the center. It will enable them to break ground and start building, culminating a more than a decade long effort to bring the dream of a multi-generational facility to reality.
The intergenerational center will house the Plymouth Senior Center, Sheboygan County Head Start, the Family Resource Center of Sheboygan County and Growing Generations Child Care Center.
The center will allow different generations to come together for various activities and interactions, while still allowing each their own dedicated space for gathering, activities and events, all in the same building. The interaction of generations will be beneficial to young and old alike. Children will gain wisdom, knowledge and experience from their elders, while senior citizens will soak in the enthusiasm, energy and vitality of the children.
In addition, Plymouth and the surrounding area will benefit immensely from the center, which will be a one-of-a-kind facility. It will be another jewel in the city’s crown and another example of Plymouth taking the lead in providing services for its citizens in a unique public-private partnership, building on the legacy of one of the nation’s first senior citizens right here in Plymouth.
And we will have a striking building in a beautiful park-like setting that not only will enhance the city’s esthetic qualities but will also serve as a community gathering place and a great place to hold events, gatherings and activities.
The coalition has received a tremendous amount of support from the community as a whole so far in their long, hard struggle to turn vision into reality. But they still have a long way to go to fully fund the project.
The coalition is in the process of launching their capital fund-raising campaign to fill in the last of the money needed to make the center come to life. They will be coming to the community — to business, industry, groups and citizens — asking for help in completing their long journey.
These are difficult economic times, and for many money is limited. But the chance to make this singular dream reality is well worth digging deep and giving a hand. It will be worth it.
At issue: Plymouth Intergenerational Center Bottom line: Dream nears reality
