READING, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Aging announced on Tuesday that 45 Senior Community Centers (SCCs) across 26 counties will benefit from a collective $2 million in competitive grants. This financial boost aims to enrich the lives of the elderly by providing critical updates and expansions to facilities and services that many depend on for health, education, and social interaction.
Chester County emerges as a notable beneficiary in this statewide initiative, with three of its senior centers securing funds for pivotal projects. Kennett Area Senior Center received $52,000 for crucial capital improvements and renovations, Phoenixville Area Senior Center was awarded $17,400 to enhance programs and services, and Surrey Services for Seniors-Devon obtained $15,587 for capital improvement and renovation efforts. These investments are expected to significantly improve the quality of life for Chester County’s elderly residents, offering them a safer, more engaging community space.
The grants, sourced from proceeds of the Pennsylvania Lottery and appropriated by the General Assembly, underscore the government’s commitment to supporting its aging population. With Governor Josh Shapiro’s first budget including an additional $1 million for SCCs, the total funding earmarked for these vital community hubs reaches $3 million. This expanded financial support allows centers that were not in the race for larger grants to still make meaningful improvements.
Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich highlighted the profound impact of SCCs in the lives of older adults, stating, “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.” The grants strive to ensure these centers remain welcoming, inclusive, and valuable assets to their local areas.
SCCs play a pivotal role in Pennsylvania’s social fabric, offering older adults nutritious meals, educational opportunities, transportation services, and more. The additional funding from Governor Shapiro establishes a new, permanent non-competitive track to the grant program, ensuring even small-scale needs are met and more SCCs can benefit. Each of the 392 centers receiving a non-competitive award will get $2,551 to support their operations.
This year’s announcement, made at the Berks Encore Reading Center—a recipient of one of the competitive grants—was attended by Secretary Kavulich, State Senator Judy Schwank, State Representative Manuel Guzman, and local leaders from the Berks County Area Agency on Aging.
With a total of 437 SCCs benefiting from either competitive or non-competitive grant funds this year, Pennsylvania takes a decisive step towards enhancing the support structure for its senior citizens. These investments reflect a broader commitment to ensuring older adults have access to the services and social connections necessary for a vibrant, healthy life, thereby reinforcing the state’s dedication to its elderly population.
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