The Rosenwald Project

Preserving Yesterday, Investing in Tomorrow

In 1912, Julius Rosenwald of Sears, Roebuck and Company, along with Booker T. Washington, began the Rosenwald School Building Program. The program provided seed grants for the construction of over 5,300 buildings to help educate African-Americans in the rural south.

Built in 1925, SENIOR Solutions’ Oconee Senior Center was originally a Rosenwald School, and there is a national effort to preserve these historic sites. While most are in near shambles, Seneca is fortunate that its Rosenwald Building is still serving the community, offering seniors exercise classes, nutrition programs and social activities. The center also houses a home-delivered meals program and an adult day care. However, the building is in need of major renovations.

Through grants and private donations, SENIOR Solutions has acquired over $350,000 to renovate our building, largely in part to three major grants, including: The Alice Rosenwald Foundation for $2,500; Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation/National Trust for Historic Preservation for $40,000; a Permanent Improvement Project (PIP) grant from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging for $300,000. Plans for our building include rewiring throughout, new air units, a new roof, and renovating an entire wing that now sits unoccupied. This additional space will allow us to add more activities throughout the day.