CALLING ALL SENIOR CENTERS – YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR A STATE GRANT

 HARRISBURG, AUG. 18 – State Sen. Connie Williams urged senior centers in the 17^th District to look into a $4 million grant program that is being offered to both support and enhance the role of senior centers in the community.

 "I always have been proud of the level of activity and quality of service provided by the senior centers in my legislative district," Williams said. "It seems that every time I speak with someone at the center, there is a new program or service that provides older adults with opportunities to stay in tune with the latest technology or trend, or to become more active and enjoy a better quality of life. With these state grants, centers will have even more opportunity to move forward with their next project or program."

 The funding awarded to senior centers will be divided into two categories: capital assistance projects and capacity building projects.

 Assistance projects will receive up to $200,000 toward renovations, repairs, equipment, furnishings or acquisition of land or facilities and construction.

 Building projects will receive up to $10,000 to help pay for administration or fund raising or help in growing programs and services. 

 The Department of Aging will accept applications until Sept. 22, 2006. Money will be granted to centers on a rolling basis.

 Senior centers that wish to apply can find additional information on the Department of Aging’s Web site, www.aging.state.pa.us, or the Pennsylvania Senior Centers’ Web site, www.paseniorcenters.org. Senior centers with questions can call the Department of Aging at 717-783-6207 and ask to speak with someone from the Division of Consumer Community Support Services. Applications will not be accepted electronically – either by e-mail or fax.