Youngsville First United Methodist Church is taking quite a leap of faith in creating a senior center.

The Brokenstraw Adult Activity Center opens Jan. 14, geared toward retirement age adults and prospective clients must be able to attend to their personal hygiene needs, not suffer from dementia or other cognitive impairment and be mobile or can be mobile via walker, cane or wheelchair.

The Rev. Jeff Canter, pastor of Youngsville First United Methodist Church, told the Times Observer the church is launching the new program to leverage the church’s assets for the community’s benefit. Use of the facility doesn’t require membership at the church or any other church; church officials simply want to fill what they see as a void.

“More than one of our older members remembered fondly the last casual gathering place for Youngsville seniors and the idea of creating such a service was born,” Canter said.

Churches can be a vital part of a community, something Canter and Youngsville First United Methodist Church leaders are acknowledging by opening the church’s doors for seniors to gather.

Now, we hope the community does its part by making use of the center. In addition to opening on Jan. 14, a Consecration Service will be held on Jan. 16 at 1 p.m. followed by an open house reception. More information can be found on the center at facebook.com/brokenstrawaac.