At a press conference yesterday in Madison, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced that they have awarded a $250,000 grant to Madison Visionary Partners. The funding will go towards building a senior wing at the new Madison Community Center.

Melanie Thornton, Executive Director of Madison Visionary Partners (MVP), expressed her gratitude towards the tribe, thanking them for their support of the city’s seniors.

“We are so thankful to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians for recognizing the impact that the Center will have on our senior citizens’ quality of life,” said Melanie Thornton, Executive Director of Madison Visionary Partners (MVP). “Thanks to this investment from the Tribe, our city’s growing senior population will have access to high-quality programs and services.”

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PBCI Tribal Chair & CEO, Stephanie A. Bryan, said that the tribe’s culture of revering seniors played a role in the decision to award the grant.

“In our Indian culture, seniors are highly valued and respected, and they play an active role in the life of our community,” stated Bryan. “It is very important to us that we support seniors and help provide ways for them to continue to live active, healthy lives and maintain their connections to others and to their community.”

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

Madison Mayor Paul Finley showed appreciation for the PBCI and Madison Visionary Partners for their combined efforts to make the senior wing a reality.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians for their support and donation to our Community Center; a project that directly benefits the quality of life for all residents in the City of Madison,” said Finley. “We also appreciate Madison Visionary Partners continued efforts in leading our Community Center Capital Campaign, they are truly making a positive impact.”

The 34,000 square foot Madison Community Center, which is scheduled to open later this year, will house the city’s “Meals on Wheels” program, as well as multiple meeting rooms, arts and craft spaces, a music room, and a multi-use gym for Madison’s special needs community.

The center is on the former site of the Three Springs juvenile facility, which the city purchased in 2020.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.