The Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Designee Dr. Anita Roberts has announced the reopening of the Richmond Senior Center on St. Croix. Preparations have been made by staff in the Division of Senior Citizens’ Affairs as well as the Richmond Senior Center for the seniors’ return.
Roberts said, “After almost a year and a half of disrupting the operations at the Richmond Center, we are very pleased to reopen our doors to our seniors. First and foremost, these preparations prioritized the needs of seniors by ensuring their safety and well-being.”
The demolition of the Dr. Ralph de Chabert Housing Community forced the DHS to temporarily relocate the center. During that time, the center moved its services to an area within the Herbert Grigg Home for the Aged in Kingshill, St. Croix. Seniors who were displaced as a result of the demolition continued to be bussed to this site as an alternate location. DHS did all that was necessary to prevent any lapse in services and any loss of interest by the center’s participants.
“We want the families, caregivers, and the general public to be aware of this transition back to the Richmond Senior Center. We are extremely excited about welcoming them at our reopening on Tuesday, Sept. 13. We know that our seniors will share in the good news as we continue to maintain a level of comfort for them while at our centers,” said the commissioner designee.
The senior centers provide recreational and cultural activities, physical programs, arts and crafts, educational outreach and workshops, and spiritual services as well as the opportunity to attend a variety of community events. Plans are being made to celebrate the reopening of the Richmond Senior Center in October.
