NEENAH, Wis. — A new expansion is soon underway for Valley VNA Senior Center.

The more than 100 year old organization has been a staple for the small Neenah community, especially through a trying year of COVID-19.

The ongoing pandemic revamped some priorities for the senior center to provide updated care for seniors. A fundraising campaign will support the hefty price tag of this $6.25 million expansion that is already half way fulfilled.

"We were able to really learn more about air quality that maybe wasn’t as high on the radar because it never really had to be," says Angela Simon, a representative of Valley VNA Senior Center.

The expansion will add on living spaces for all levels of care. Some for full-care, others for independent living.

"Right here is our current assisted living building, our 60 room assisted living," says Simon, pointing to a blueprint outline of the future project. "And with our ‘Caring for Generations’ campaign, we are really excited to be able to add on this addition, we’re looking to make sure that we can update it so we can continue to provide good quality care."

Carl Frazier and his wife Joyce are a senior couple that live in the assisted community of Valley VNA. Both look back on a year where extreme measures to stay safe had to be taken.

"By having security here and good health," Mr. Frazier says. "It prevents you from spreading."

The couple is now fully vaccinated, mask-less and are gearing up to begin outdoor social gatherings this summer. Pointing to crafts they’ve completed over the year to keep busy, both are anxiously waiting to resume life in a more normal way.

The fundraising efforts will continue through the end of 2021 and expect ground breaking for the addition to begin this summer.