$2 Million in Grants Awarded to PA Senior Centers to Enhance Health & Wellness Programs

PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has announced the 48 recipients of Senior Community Center (SCC) grants for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The $2 million in appropriated funding from the Pennsylvania Lottery will enable SCCs statewide to undertake projects based on their expressed needs. Projects may include facility updates and modernizations, health and entertainment program launches, technology upgrades, and nutrition service improvements. This support from the Department of Aging empowers SCCs to further enhance the services and resources they provide Pennsylvania’s cherished senior community.

“Our Senior Community Centers are pillars in our communities and to the older adults they serve. Whether it’s a meal, health and wellness activities, or socializing, these centers help our seniors thrive and continue to live independently as they age. Many times, a SCC may be the only interaction that an older adult has, and we want to make sure that our centers are welcoming, inclusive, and inviting,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “The projects funded by the Senior Community Center grants will help the recipients enhance the programs and services that are already in place as well as create new opportunities to welcome current visitors and attract new consumers.”

This year marks the return of awarding the grants through a competitive process. During the last two years of the pandemic, when many of Pennsylvania’s senior community centers were struggling, the competition aspect of the grants was suspended and the $2 million in grant money was distributed equally to help all of the centers in the state.

In March, Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled his first budget proposal, which includes an additional $1 million in Senior Community Center grants that would also create a permanent non-competitive grant program. Since the competitive grants normally fund larger scale projects, the non-competitive program would allow smaller needs to be met and more SCCs to benefit.

“The proposed additional $1 million would allow for two funding tracks, both competitive and non-competitive, which would help us reach those senior centers that traditionally have struggled with hitting the high bar required as a part of the competitive grant cycle,” Kavulich added. “Having a non-competitive track would help ensure those senior centers have funds coming into their doors to buy new computers, to get new exercise equipment or just to take care of the little everyday things that wear down over time.”

There are 485 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. Proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery help to fund these programs every year.

For more information on other services and programs benefiting older Pennsylvanians, visit the Department of Aging’s website.

Below is the list of Senior Community Center awardees and grant amounts:

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