The city of Fort Dodge and Golden Day announced the formal launch of the Golden Day Adult Day Program at Citizens Central, 617 Central Ave.

This program has been in development since mid-2021. It will offer regular support for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Golden Day Adult Day’s mission is to provide safe and caring adult services that will offer meaningful programs to enhance the dignity, independence and quality of life of older people and individuals with disabilities.

For information or to apply for the program, write to goldendayadultday@gmail.com or call 515-308-4163.

Here are some key milestones leading to the program

• Aug. 5, 2021 — Discussion about the need for an adult day program initiated by state Rep. Ann Meyer, R-Fort Dodge.

• Late 2021 — A group led by Beth Plautz, Angie Jessen, Mary Potratz, Cheryl Franklin, and Bethany Cox was formed to establish the program.

• December 2021 — Space secured at Citizens Central with help of Erin Arndt, program supervisor in the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.

• Jan. 17, 2022 — Launch of the first biweekly adult day program at Citizens Central

• February 2022 — Partnership with Fort Dodge Community Foundation for funding launched

• Oct. 31, 2022 and December 2022 — Legal and certification steps completed

• January and April 2023 — Compliance with state regulations and inspection requirements attained.

• January 2024 — Achievement of certification from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing

• Jan. 10, 2024 — Application to Medicaid for program funding

In April, program leaders hope to expand it to three days a week.