3 senior centers receive $140,000 in state funds

The grants come through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s Senior Community Center Grant program.

WEST CHESTER » State Senator Andy Dinniman announced Wednesday that three Chester County senior centers will receive more than $140,000 in total state funding.

“The COVID-19 crisis has impacted all of our communities, especially our senior population who are at heightened risk,” Dinniman said. “While our senior centers remain closed, I will continue to work with them to provide essential services, such as food and referrals, to help keep our senior population safe and healthy as we plan for future.”

Senior centers have a wide variety of offerings that may include: nutritious meal programs; educational opportunities; transportation services; financial and insurance counseling; exercise programs; and social and recreational activities.

The grants, which come through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s Senior Community Center Grant (SCC) program, are funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery. They are as follows: • $76,270 for the Coatesville Area Senior Center.

• $35,000 for the West Chester Area Senior Center

• $32,975 for the Phoenixville Area Senior Center

The Chester County grants come as part of nearly $2 million in SCC funding awarded to 60 senior centers statewide. The grants are designed to increase participation, attract a new generation of older adults, and help ensure that the centers provide a safe and healthy environment for seniors. They can be used for new programs, services, equipment, supplies, and renovations or repairs.

Grant recipients have 12 months to use the funding, but can request a threemonth extension.

Statewide, there are over 500 senior community centers operating across 67 counties in Pennsylvania.

Since the very first ticket was sold in 1972, the Pennsylvania Lottery has generated more than $29 billion for programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians.