State Rep. Michael Hale, R-Smithville, today announced senior centers in Cannon, Smith and DeKalb counties will receive a combined $104,000 in state grants to improve facilities and expand services for older adults. The grants are part of a $5 million initiative administered by the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) to support 125 senior […]
State Rep. Michael Hale, R-Smithville, today announced senior centers in Cannon, Smith and DeKalb counties will receive a combined $104,000 in state grants to improve facilities and expand services for older adults.
The grants are part of a $5 million initiative administered by the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) to support 125 senior centers statewide. The funding was approved in the 2025–26 state budget to strengthen emergency and community-based services for Tennessee’s aging population.
Local funding recipients include:
- Cannon County Senior Center: $13,000
- Alexandria Senior Citizens Center: $49,000
- Smith County Senior Citizen Center: $42,000
“These centers play an important role in helping older Tennesseans stay active, connected and healthy,” Hale said. “I am proud to support investments that strengthen these community resources and improve quality of life for seniors in our district.”
The DDA awards grants through a competitive process, with each center receiving between $10,000 and $50,000. Funds may be used for building improvements, equipment, marketing, programming, activities and other operational expenses, excluding staff salaries.
For information, visit the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging website.