KIMBERLY BELLAMY
Second in a series.
Getting older doesn't mean becoming dependent and moving into a nursing home, and Walston's Adult Nuturing Center at 305 St. David St. provides alternatives to prevent that.
The center provides services for those who are 60 years or older or disabled to come and enjoy a day of social interaction.
"One of the things that's so important about it is because it's no place for seniors to go to have socialization," said the Rev. Jonah Walston, owner of the center.
"It encourages them and builds up their self esteem."
The center's purpose is to assist individuals who need help taking care of themselves during the day between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"I live by myself so I didn't want to be sitting in the house by myself all day," said Lizzie Mooring.
To keep the clients in the best standing socially, physically and emotionally, the center gives them the opportunity to participate in educational seminars, arts and crafts, games and develop companionship. They are also offer lunch and snacks.
"It enriches the later part of their life in so many areas," Walston said.
Sarah Harrell said that she learns things through the activities at the center and enjoys the games they play.
"They give you lunch too and that's nice," Harrell said.
The clients must go through an application process before getting care, which involves an interview with the director to discuss their needs.
"We're licensed to take care of 20 people," said Jean Washington, director.
"We try to keep them at home as long as possible to try to keep their day to day living at a high level," Washington said.
The center receives funding at the state and local level through donations and grants such as the Home Care and Community Block Grant.
A source of funding for Walston's is United Way, which has been funding them since the organization was restructured.
The center has been in operation since 1974 and was previously the Tarboro Adult Activity Center. Rev. Walston took ownership of the center in July 1997.
"We have been recipients of the generosity of United Way since that time," Washington said.
Walston said that United Way gave them six or seven checks last year, totaling around $1,000 each.
