Sedalia, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Economic Development approved tax credits today for the Ewing Vocational Center in Sedalia, operated by the Center for Human Services.
The DED approved up to $37,500 in tax credits for renovations to the Ewing building, which could allow the CHS to rake in at least $75K in donations. Susan Mergen, director of development for the center, says they are now taking donations fro corporations, businesses, and more.
“I go to our community that may have supported the center in the past or possibly want to be a new supporter, and they can donate to this project and receive 50 percent off their state taxes,” Mergen said. “This is a two-year project to raise the money for this capital campaign.”
The Ewing facility has until June 30, 2016, to raise the $75K or the state can capture the tax credits and put them toward another project to sell them. Mergen said they still had tax credits for sale and she’s looking to sell them as soon as possible.
While they’ve raised almost $44K so far, officials at the center say they’re working to raise all the money before construction begins. Construction will include improvements to both the interior and exterior of the building, along with new lighting and signage, improving floors, painting, and landscaping.
“We’re making our community better by renovating and improving a building, so it’s a win-win all around because people see that we’re taking really good care and pride in our facilities,” she said. “That just looks really good for the community.”
The Ewing center houses roughly 60 staff and 40 clients to work and volunteer with individuals with disabilities. The CHS serves 33 counties in Missouri, providing care for more than 4,000 children and adults with various disabilities. CHS is in its 60th year of operation in Missouri.
Anyone interested in donating and receiving tax credits should contact Susan Mergen at 660-826-4400 ext. 368.
Collin Reischman was the Managing Editor for The Missouri Times, and a graduate of Webster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.
