The AK Steel Foundation has pledged $1 million over a five-year period to help finance the construction of a new center planned by Middletown Area Senior Citizens, Inc.

The senior organization has outgrown its current location and has plans to construct a new center on grounds the organization purchased in 2002.

“Middletown Area Senior Citizens, Inc. serves a growing population of mature adults in our area,” said James L. Wainscott, President and CEO of AK Steel. “Because many of those citizens and their families have been connected with AK Steel, Armco and even the American Rolling Mill Company, it is fitting that our Foundation pledges this very significant contribution toward the construction of a new, larger and more functional facility for seniors throughout our area to meet, socialize and receive necessary and beneficial services.”

Funds for the pledge will come from the AK Steel Foundation, which is the company’s non-profit charitable trust. Established more than a decade ago, the Foundation was merged with the former Armco Foundation when AK Steel acquired its former parent company. The Foundation supports numerous charitable community organizations and initiatives such as the Veteran’s Memorial in Middletown. The Foundation also supports the company’s Sons and Daughters Scholarship program and the Louie F. Cox Memorial African-American Scholarship.

“We have such a rich history with AK Steel and Armco employees,” said Alesia Barnhizer, Executive Director of Middletown Area Seniors, Inc. “More than half of our current membership is proudly affiliated with AK Steel, and we are now serving second and third generation steelmakers. In fact, our existing center was financed in large measure by the company and its employees more than 50 years ago.”

The existing center currently serves nearly 5500 individuals, a number projected to grow profoundly. “As the ‘baby-boom’ generation matures, the group of adults 65 and older will grow at a rate nearly four times faster than the population as a whole by 2030,” Ms. Barnhizer said. “Our center must grow to continue meeting the needs that help our seniors live independently and with pride and dignity.”

“As anyone with both children and parents to care for understands, it is time for our generation to give back to those that have made our livelihood and our way of life possible,” said Mr. Wainscott. “We hope that many others will come forth in support of this tremendous asset to our community and our area.”

Headquartered in Middletown, Ohio, AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products for automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets, as well as tubular steel products.