The Bolivar Senior Center grant announced this week will put $50,000 in state money to work for older adults in Hardeman County, Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) awarded the Bolivar center the largest amount available in its 2026 senior center grant round, according to a report published Sept. 28 by the Hatchie Press. For seniors in Middleton and other communities just north of the Tippah County line, the Bolivar center is one of the closest places for meals, activities and social programs.
Bolivar Senior Center Grant Among 122 Statewide
The DDA gave out a total of $5 million this year to 122 senior centers across Tennessee. The department received 142 applications, so most centers that applied received funding. Individual awards ranged from $5,000 to $50,000, which puts Bolivar’s grant at the top of that range.
The money comes from the Tennessee General Assembly, which has funded the senior center grant program for six straight years. According to the DDA, the state has supported 192 different senior centers through the program since 2020.
Total statewide funding: $5 million
Centers funded: 122 of 142 applicants
Award range: $5,000 to $50,000
Bolivar Senior Center award: $50,000
How the Money Can Be Used
The state encourages senior centers to use the grants for capital projects, marketing, programming and activities, and routine operating expenses. When the DDA opened applications in June, it said grant money must be spent by March 31, 2028. That gives the Bolivar center about a year and a half to put the funds to use.
DDA Commissioner Brad Turner said, “Senior centers are a foundation of community to older adults across the Volunteer State.” He said the grants will help centers serve aging residents through volunteer recruitment, new equipment, stronger programming and new capital projects.
The Hatchie Press report did not say which projects the Bolivar center plans to fund with its award.
Why It Matters for Middleton and Hardeman County
Tennessee state officials have called older adults the state’s fastest-growing population, in rural counties as well as cities. In a rural county like Hardeman, a senior center is often where older residents find a hot meal, exercise classes, health information and company. Many seniors in the southern end of the county, including the Middleton area, drive into Bolivar for services, shopping and medical care.
Bolivar’s grant comes in the same month as other good news for the county’s health and aging services. West Tennessee Healthcare’s new Bolivar hospital is scheduled to open to patients on Nov. 9.
For Seniors and Families
Residents who want to know about programs at the Bolivar Senior Center, or how the new grant will be used, should contact the center directly. Families across the Tippah and Hardeman county area can also reach their local Area Agency on Aging for information on meals, transportation and in-home services for older adults.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
