Milton Test
Out of the Ashes: From Slaughter Neck to Milton CHEER Center
For 40 years, the Slaughter Neck/Milton CHEER center was a community in search of a permanent home. Despite their large ambitions, they were often limited by small spaces, moving from place to place. The center’s first Director, Sarah Green, led the group from 1974 to 1988, with the center initially housed in the Community Action Agency building in Lincoln.
The community’s spirit was always strong, even as they faced challenges. In 1993, the center happily accepted a generous $400 donation from Sussex County Councilman Ralph Benson for video equipment. A year later, members rallied against a proposed freeze on Social Security cost-of-living increases, a national issue that was quickly reversed due to public outcry. Under the direction of Francine Shockley for many years, the center flourished, offering a wide array of activities and a crucial nutrition program.
A Place of Their Own
The frequent moves, however, were a constant source of disruption. After their lease ended at the Community Action Agency building, they relocated to two different places in three years, followed by a stay at the Eagles Nest Church, which lacked a kitchen and had to share space with a youth group. These constant changes were confusing for members, highlighting the urgent need for a dedicated facility.
The long-awaited change arrived in April 2013, with the unveiling of plans for a new $2.3 million activity center. A capital funds campaign was launched, and by March 2015, an overflow crowd gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the 6,600-square-foot center. The new building featured a banquet room, meeting rooms, office space, a commercial kitchen, and a fitness room, led by Center Director Susan Winterbottom. On opening day alone, 40 new applications were submitted.
“This is absolutely out of this world,” said CHEER member Pauline Wilson. “All the space and everything… I think it’s fabulous. And it’s close. It takes me five minutes to get here.”
A Growing Community
With the senior population in the Milton area experiencing a 100% growth rate, the new center was a much-needed addition. Programming expanded to include fitness classes with a personal trainer, an Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support group, and educational presentations on topics like fall prevention and local insects.
The commitment of CHEER’s staff was also recognized, with Milton’s Phyllis Collick receiving the Fall 2018 Direct Care Worker of the Quarter award. She was praised by a client’s daughter for going “above and beyond her regular duties,” demonstrating not just care, but true friendship.
The Milton CHEER center also became a critical community partner in 2019 when the Sussex County Council approved housing an EMS unit at the facility. This partnership significantly reduced emergency response times, which had previously been over 16 minutes due to traffic and distance to hospitals. CHEER provided the space for just $100 a month in exchange for snow and ice removal services.
Like all other centers, the Milton CHEER center had to close its doors in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic but continued to serve its clients through meal deliveries and wellness calls, proving that no matter the location, the heart of the CHEER community remains strong.