West Chester, PA (May 16, 2024) – Six senior community centers (SCC) in Chester County will receive state investments to support their programs and make facility improvements, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said today.
“Our senior centers are lifelines to older adults that help them stay healthy and connected to their communities through programs, services, social interaction, and familiar faces,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “These investments will help them continue to serve our elderly friends, neighbors, relatives, and loved ones as they age with grace and dignity in safe, supportive, and welcoming environments.”
The grants, which were awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, fall into two categories: competitive grants to support larger-scale projects and noncompetitive grants of $2,551 per center.
The Kennett Area Senior Center and Surrey Services for Seniors in Devon were awarded $52,000 and $15,587 respectively for capital improvements and renovations.
The West Chester Area Senior Center, the Oxford Area Senior Center, and Brandywine Valley Active Aging Campuses in Coatesville and Downingtown each were awarded $2,551 noncompetitive grants.
The investments come as part of $3 million in total competitive and noncompetitive grants awarded to 437 senior community centers statewide. They support projects based on their needs and the needs expressed by the older adults who attend them, like modernizing facilities, providing new health and entertainment programs, upgrading technology, and enhancing nutrition services.
“The Department is grateful to Governor Shapiro, and his ongoing commitment to supporting older adults in partnership with the General Assembly. With the additional $1 million in non-competitive grant funding, we can reach those senior centers who may not need capital improvements but have equally important initiatives to improve access and programing for older adults,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “Our Senior Community Centers are a cornerstone in our communities and to the older adults they serve. A SCC may provide the only interaction that an older adult has some days, and we want to make sure that our centers are welcoming, inclusive, and assets to the local area. The projects funded by both the competitive and non-competitive grants will help the recipients enhance the programs and services already in place as well as create new opportunities to welcome current visitors and attract new consumers.”
The grant funding is appropriated by the General Assembly with proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery.
There are 484 Area Agency on Aging-affiliated Senior Community Centers throughout Pennsylvania that provide a variety of offerings, such as nutritious meals, educational opportunities, transportation services, financial and insurance counseling, and exercise programs.