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Newton Senior Center cites roof donation, nutrition challenges and flooring project
Summary
The Newton Senior Center reported a GAF materials donation for a new roof, a transition of its nutrition program to county administration that disrupted meals in January, and a planned $80,000–$100,000 flooring replacement; director Lynn also cited lack of public transportation as a barrier for participants.
Lynn, director of the Newton Senior Center, told the City Commission on Feb. 10 that the center used a donation of roofing materials from GAF to install a new roof in late December and that Ray Roofing completed the job. The center also switched internet providers to IdeaTek and has installed LED lighting to reduce utility bills.
Lynn thanked the commission for a $20,000 budget allocation for 2026 and said the center’s donor campaign and fundraisers will continue to target a multi‑section flooring replacement project she estimated at $80,000–$100,000. She said the center’s portion of the roof project covered labor and that Patterson Foundation matching grants have supported past campaigns.
On services, Lynn described a challenging January after the previous nutrition provider ended its contract Dec. 31 and Sedgwick County’s aging program (CP AAA) assumed administration. The center provided hot meals on three occasions in January and returned to hot meals in early February. Lynn said there is a wait list of eight people for the nutrition program.
Lynn highlighted transportation as a pressing problem: “An ongoing challenge is the lack of public transportation in Newton,” she said, noting participants who can no longer drive have reduced access to the center and to services such as a foot clinic.
The director also said the center plans to replace a chairlift to access basement space and hopes to expand intergenerational programming.
What’s next: The center will pursue fundraisers in June and a donor campaign in September and asked commissioners to help identify potential new board members and program managers to address transportation options.
