Whitley Judge-Executive, Ossoli Club pledge support to Senior Citizens Center

Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. visits with patrons of the Corbin Senior Citizens Center.

It’s been a good week for the Corbin Senior Citizens Center.

Just a month ago, the center was looking at about a $15,000 shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year, which would mean a reduction in the number of days it would be open, and meals it could serve those who utilize the facility.But last week, Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. visited the center and promised to allocate $2,500 in the new fiscal year budget, which begins July 1, to help with the shortfalls.

“We’ve passed it in the first reading of our budget and I’m glad we could do our part to help out,” White said.

He added that he thought there was another $2,500 in grant funds the center could use in some way as well.

The move comes on the heels of a similar announcement by Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield, who brought the center $2,500 and promised an additional $2,500 in the new budget.

Last Friday, The Ossoli Club of Corbin came with even more good news — a gift of $8,300. Other groups like the Corbin Lion’s Club, the Corbin Women’s League and various individuals have stepped forward as well.

“The assistance we’ve received has been amazing. We are now fully funded for next year,” said Beverly Faulkner, Director of the Corbin Senior Citizens Center.
Diane Mitchell, an active member of The Ossoli Club, said the Senior Citizens Center has applied for a grant from the group.

“We do our funding by grant proposals and they applied,” Mitchell said. “We thought it was a very needed and good thing for the community. We wanted to help our senior citizens.”

The Ossoli Club of Corbin recently donated $8,300 to help with operation costs of the Corbin Senior Citizens Center. Pictured: Bob Terrell, Senior Citizens Center Director Beverly Faulkner, Ossoli Club Member Diane Mitchell, and center board chairman Mike Pawula.

Bob Terrell, who organized a citizens group to help secure funding for the center when its budget shortfall became known, said he’s been happy with the response from local governments, and others.

“Judge Westerfield really got us off to a great start, and we are happy Judge White visited as well and wants to help out,” Terrell said. “We are going to continue to work and see if we can get more.”

Knox County Judge-Executive Mike Mitchell has visited the center recently as well. Terrell said he is hopeful the Knox County Fiscal Court will offer financial assistance.

“There’s a lot of seniors that want to go to the next [Knox County] fiscal court meeting, and we are going to go,” Terrell said.
The city of Corbin currently provides the Senior Citizens Center $30,000 annually.