HERNDON, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has announced a $3 million investment to support 436 Senior Community Centers (SCCs) across the state. The funding is aimed at helping older adults stay engaged and supported within their local communities.
The $3 million includes $2 million in competitive grants from the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget and $1 million in non-competitive grants secured through Governor Josh Shapiro’s first budget. The competitive grants will assist SCCs with larger-scale projects, such as facility upgrades, technology improvements, nutrition enhancements, and new program development. Meanwhile, the non-competitive grants will allocate $2,525 to each of the 396 centers that did not receive competitive funding, addressing smaller-scale needs.
“Pennsylvania’s Senior Community Centers are a cornerstone in our communities and a pillar of daily life for the older adults they serve. A center may provide the only interaction that an older adult has some days, and we want to make sure that our centers are welcoming, inclusive assets to the local area,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich.
The grants, funded through Pennsylvania Lottery proceeds and appropriated by the General Assembly, will ensure SCCs can better meet the needs of older adults and expand their offerings. Services provided by these centers include nutritious meals, educational programs, transportation, financial counseling, and exercise activities.
This year, a total of 436 centers received funding through the competitive or non-competitive grant program, demonstrating the state’s efforts to support older Pennsylvanians and foster connected, thriving communities.
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