The Mulberry senior Center: Serving and Supporting Seniors in Arkansas.

In the heart of Mulberry, Arkansas, stands a vital institution serving the local community for decades. The Mulberry Senior Center, a proud member of the Crawford County Senior Citizens Association, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being and happiness of the elderly population. Since its establishment in March 1980, the center has been a beacon of support, providing nutritious meals, fostering social connections, and offering a range of engaging activities.  

Serving the Over 60 Population

At the Mulberry Senior Center, the primary mission is to serve individuals aged 60 and above, catering to their unique needs and ensuring the overall well-being of Mulberry’s senior citizens. 

A Lifeline for the Homebound

At the Mulberry Senior Center, a core aspect of their service involves providing nutritious meals seven days a week. Whether enjoyed within the center or delivered to the homes of those who are homebound, these meals play a vital role in supporting the health, vitality, and dignity of the elderly in the community.

Congregate Meals and Engaging Activities

In addition to the homebound meal program, the Mulberry Center also offers congregate meals to individuals aged 60 and above who can attend in person. These meals provide not only nourishment but also serve as a platform for socializing and connecting with peers. Alongside these communal meals, the center hosts various engaging activities, including bingo, crafts, and the immensely popular Drums Alive program—a low-impact exercise class with lively music. These activities foster a sense of community and bring joy and companionship to the lives of the elderly residents.

Supporting the Senior Center: Donations and Contributions

As a nonprofit organization, the Mulberry Senior Center relies on the support and generosity of the community to sustain its vital programs. While the county and city provide some funding, it cannot meet all the center’s needs. The center is not 100% supported by the government as commonly believed. In fact, it only receives 70 cents per meal from the state, which falls significantly short of the actual cost of meal preparation. 

Only about 1% of the homebound individuals who benefit from the center’s services are financially able to contribute towards their meals. This highlights the importance of donations from individuals and businesses to help bridge the financial gap and continue providing essential support to the elderly population.

 History and Growth 

The Mulberry Senior Center was established in March 1980, finding its home at Kirksey Park. As the center grew and its impact expanded, a new building was constructed in August 2012 to better accommodate the increasing demand for its services. It was during this period that Lori Oliver took the helm as the director, leading the center from June 1994 until March 2018. 

Under her visionary leadership, the dream of a new center in Mulberry became a reality. Notably, the new building also includes a safe room accessible to all citizens during tornado warnings and watches, further emphasizing the center’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the community.

 Join Us at the Mulberry senior Center

The Mulberry Senior Center is open Monday through Friday, from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, and meals are served promptly at 11:30 am. A suggested donation of $3.00 per meal helps sustain the center’s operations, but any contribution, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated. Moreover, if you find yourself in need of a venue for a special event, the center is available to rent for $100 a day when not used to serve seniors. A $50 refundable cleaning deposit is required for rental.

 Together, We Can Make a Difference

The Mulberry Senior Center has been a lifeline for the elderly population in Crawford County, Arkansas, for over four decades. It stands as a testament to the power of community support, with individuals and businesses coming together to ensure that our seniors receive the care, nutrition, and companionship they deserve. If you or someone you know could benefit from the services offered by the Mulberry Senior Center, we encourage you to reach out and seek assistance. Together, let’s support this invaluable institution and make a positive impact on the lives of our beloved seniors.