Last week, I was invited to attend a Kent County Levy Court meeting. I thought it was to discuss the impact of the pandemic on nonprofits, specifically the Modern Maturity Center. I prepared all my facts and figures and made handouts for all the commissioners, but to my surprise, I was there to be presented the Kent County Medal for Meritorious Service. I am very grateful and honored by this presentation and wish to openly thank the Kent County commissioners for this wonderful and unexpected tribute.
While I may be the face of the center — and many times the outspoken voice — there are so many people who have made the center what it is today. I share this honor with all of them.
In 1972, I walked into a house at 2 S. Bradford St. and said I wanted to volunteer to help older adults. Little did I know that it would turn into my lifelong work and become a job for which I am quite passionate. I have laughed, cried and prayed with both clients and staff throughout the years. I have seen staff come and go. Most of the staff throughout the years have also had a passion and dedication to be of service to older adults and the community.
Through the years, I have worked with wonderful community leaders who volunteered to serve on the MMC board of directors and have talked with many legislators who also understand and support the vision and mission of the center.
People have given of their time and money to help support the center. We could not function without those wonderful volunteers. Hopefully, the center has made aging in place a little easier for those we serve and helped them find services and programs that enrich their lives.
From a house on Bradford Street to a campus on Forrest Avenue, from serving about 25 people a day to serving 1,700 people daily, the center has certainly grown to meet the needs of the community. I am honored to be a part of it all!
No person is an island, and I certainly could not accomplish all that the center has achieved without an army of people helping me. They all deserve a medal and a big thank-you!
Carolyn Fredricks has been employed by the Modern Maturity Center since 1973, serving as its executive director since 2001.
