County hears presentation on Art Loving Seniors program; Absalom Jones Senior Center awarded $32,345 grant

Carly Thompson, manager in the Department of Community Services, told the New Castle County Community Services Committee on Oct. 28 that the Art Loving Seniors grant at Absalom Jones Senior Center provides free visual-arts classes and related activities to low-income seniors in Belvedere-Cedar Heights.

Thompson said the program began as a 2023 pilot serving 10 members and expanded in 2024—through a Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities grant—to serve about 304 senior center members with 26 classes taught by professional teaching artists. She said the fiscal year 2026 award from the Delaware Division of Aging is $32,345 and is expected to fund more than 300 seniors through classes, three museum trips with transportation, and culminating art shows.

"Art is a proven way to promote healthy aging," Thompson said, and program surveys and staff observations show increased social engagement, improved self-esteem and cognitive stimulation among participants. Thompson acknowledged Nicole Sexton of the New Castle County Art Studio as the volunteer coordinator who helps run the program.

Council members spoke in support. Councilman Jay Street recalled the center's long history serving the Belvedere community; other members noted building repairs and partnerships with the state and county art studio. No substantive public opposition was recorded.

The committee received the presentation; the grant and related appropriations were listed on the agenda for future formal action as appropriate.