Based on a nomination by Citrus County officials, the Florida conference on Aging has given the Citrus County Builders Care a state award for "Service to Seniors by an Organization."

Builders Care is a non-profit charitable arm of the Citrus County Builders Association.

Its mission is to reduce sub-standard housing by providing repair services to seriously deteriorated homes belonging to the low-income, elderly, and disabled in Citrus County.

Builders Care was nominated by the director of the county’s Community Services Department for the work it has done for the county’s low-income seniors. Community Services Director Cathy Pearson said many calls come in for help for seniors.

About 40 percent of Citrus County’s population is more than 60 years old, and Pearson said in her nomination, “Our seniors want to age in place and remain independent in their home. This is where Builders Care comes in.

“Members of Builders Care, of which many are contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc., donate their time to assess, repair, or make improvements to the particular properties in question. Monies for building materials are donated by organizations such as the Citrus County Senior Foundation. This is truly a community partnership.

“Citrus County Builders Care does a tremendous service to our seniors,” she said.

Andrew Benefield, President of Builders Care, said, “We’re honored to receive this award. This is our way for builders to give back to our community when it needs us the most.”

Pearson cited recent projects including: a wheelchair ramp for an elderly woman when she got out of a rehabilitation center, repair to a rotted out floor, replacement of a front porch deck and stairs, and pressure washing and sealing a roof at an elderly handicapped woman’s trailer.

Other projects included rebuilding a closet so an elderly man would have room for a lift needed next to his bed, fixing an air conditioner and replacing outdated electrical outlets.

Builders Care receives approximately 10 to 20 referrals a month. Citrus Builders Care motto is “Making a Difference one life-changing gift at a time.”

Pearson said, “This group of volunteers is truly making a difference in our community and have enhanced the quality of life of so many of our seniors.”