Earlier this year, Botetourt Resource Center Inc. was awarded a $30,000 grant through the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia from the Mary Louise Home Fund. This year’s project, entitled “Cultivating Hope and Easing Burdens for Older Adults in Challenging Times,” focuses on programs for the elderly in Botetourt County.
This funding helps to support older adults with basic needs, including assistance with fuel and utility costs, dental costs, small home repairs, and recreation and socialization opportunities. After a year of COVID-19 restrictions, the center has re-opened its doors for weekly activities for small groups of seniors.
In addition to its programs for seniors, the BRC continues to offer the Interfaith Crisis Fuel Fund, which assists individuals and families in Botetourt County with electricity cut-off notices. This fund can be utilized once a year and, to date, has helped close to 400 families in the county.
The BRC continues to provide a small food pantry (by appointment) for Botetourt residents and families who are in need of emergency food items. It also has a recycling network to supply medical equipment, appliances, furniture, household items, etc., to help those in need.
For more information about all of the services provided by the BRC, stop by the office at 33 Bedford Street in downtown Buchanan. Office hours are 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Or visit the website at www.botetourtresourcecenter.com or call 254-1468 (callers may leave a message on the answering machine and calls will be returned within 24-48 hours), or email questions/requests for information to mlucasbrc@yahoo.com.
The Botetourt Resource Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that has served Botetourt County for the past 21 years. Its mission is to provide residents with information, advocacy and referral to needed human resources and programs to assist them in healthy and independent living. All of its services and programs are available at no cost to all residents of Botetourt County.
