Muskegon County voters passed a 0.5 mill Senior Millage in 2016. The funds collected are awarded to organizations that apply through a grant process administered by Senior Resources, with approval by the Muskegon County Commission. Service providers and municipalities receive funding that support the independence of older adults or enrich their lives through senior focused programing.
Since 2020, some of this funding has been sent directly to Muskegon County municipalities. Fruitland Township applies for and receives an allocation of this funding each year. The Township Board then decides how to use that funding to support Fruitland Township Senior Residents.
During the 2022-23 Fiscal Year we were able to provide over 400 Fruitland Township Senior Residents with vouchers to our Ecology Station and local Farmer’s Markets. We also worked with AgeWell Services to offer a free 6 week yoga class for 6 residents, as well as supporting their Safe Seniors program. We also allocated money to the White Lake Senior Center for them to use for improvements to their programming.
Fruitland Township Board of Trustees also voted in March 2023 to allocate some of the federal American Rescue Plan Act monies to support senior residents in Fruitland Township. The Board voted to allocate money to the Viking Athletic Center to allow Fruitland Township Senior residents to have free access to their walking track, exercise room, cardio equipment, pickleball, golf hitting nets and selected classes. At least 169 Fruitland Township Seniors have registered to use the VAC via this program.
Funding was also allocated to Living Word Senior Services for lawn care and snow removal services for Fruitland Township Seniors. This program is limited and is need based. During Summer 2022, this program helped at least 5 Fruitland Seniors with their lawn care and also helped at least 16 residents with their snow removal through the winter.
Fruitland Township has received its allocation of the 2023-2024 Senior Millage Grant funds.
The Township Board voted to use the funding to support our senior residents by supporting the White Lake Senior Center, partnering with AgeWell Services of West Michigan, holding a senior event, and by providing vouchers for our Ecology Station, the White River Light Station, and Muskegon and Montague Farmer’s Markets.
We will begin offering vouchers the week of June 26th, 2023.
There are a few options to reserve your vouchers this year:
Once you have ordered your vouchers, they will be ready to be picked up the following business day. During especially busy times, we may need you to be patient while we assist other residents.
The vouchers are limited and are issued on a first come, first serve basis.
You must show ID to receive your vouchers.
Fruitland Township Seniors also have the opportunity to receive a free membership at the Viking Athletic Center in Whitehall. Please contact the Viking Athletic Center to set up your membership and get your free access card.
Fruitland Township Seniors that need help with lawn care or snow removal may be eligible for free assistance. To inquire please contact Living Word Senior Services at 231-720-0484.
Click here for more information about our senior event, SENIOR PALOOZA 2023
