At a press conference in Madison yesterday, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced it has awarded a $250,000 grant to Madison Visionary Partners. The funds will go toward construction of a new Madison Community Center senior wing.

Melanie Thornton, executive director of Madison Visionary Partners (MVP), expressed her gratitude to the tribes and thanked them for their support of the city's seniors.

“We are very grateful to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians for recognizing the impact the center will have on the quality of life of seniors,” said Melanie Thornton, executive director of Madison Visionary Partners (MVP). said. “Thanks to this investment from the Tribe, our city's growing number of seniors will have access to high-quality programs and services.”

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PBCI Tribal President and CEO Stephanie A. Bryan said the tribe's culture of respecting its elders influenced the decision to award the grant.

“In Indian culture, older people are valued and respected and play an active role in the life of their communities,” Brian said. “It is very important to us to support older adults and help provide ways for them to live active, healthy lives and stay connected to others and their communities. ”

“We are honored to be part of this truly visionary project.”

Madison Mayor Paul Finley thanked PBCI and Madison Visionary Partners for working together to make the senior building a reality.

“We are very grateful to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians for their support and donation to the community center. This will directly benefit the quality of life for all residents of the City of Madison. project,” Finley said. “We also appreciate the continued efforts of Madison and His Visionary Partners in leading the Community Center Capital Campaign. They are truly having a positive impact.”

Scheduled to open later this year, the 34,000-square-foot Madison Community Center will house the city's Meals on Wheels program, as well as multiple meeting rooms, arts and crafts space, a music room and a multipurpose gym. For the special needs community of Madison.

The center is located on the site of the Three Springs Juvenile Facility, which the city purchased in 2020.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer at Yellowhammer News.