The Lawrence Senior Center at 30 East Darrah Lane is in line for some upgrades and improvements, thanks to a $200,000 grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The grant will be spent on upgrading furniture that is more than 20 years old, as well as redesigning the interior spaces to increase socialization opportunities.
The grant will also pay for new computer tablets for the seniors, officials said. During the pandemic, it became clear that many seniors lacked both internet access and the knowledge they needed to navigate the online world.
The goal of purchasing the tablets is to provide one-on-one assistance to the seniors to show them how to use the internet to search for information on the township’s website and other government websites.
The seniors may also use the tablets and the four computer stations to find a doctor, research a new appliance or car, connect to relatives through virtual meeting sites or attend online classes, officials said.
The grant also will allow for the interior of the Lawrence Senior Center to be redesigned to provide for comfortable seating in gathering areas, adequate lighting and small amenities, such as a coffee area.
An automatic partition in the multipurpose room will allow it to be sectioned off so that it can used for different activities at the same time. It will increase the usability of the center and appeal to more seniors, officials said.
The Lawrence Senior Center, which opened in 1991, offers a wide range of activities – from exercise, health and wellness options and educational talks to socialization and recreation activities.
It is open to Lawrence Township residents who are at least 60 years old. The center operates Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
