Pennsylvania announces $3M investment in senior community centers

Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich is set to join regional leaders to highlight the success of the Senior Community Center (SCC) grant program. This initiative provides $3 million in competitive and non-competitive grants, aiming to fund both large-scale projects and smaller needs across the Commonwealth's senior centers. The goal is to ensure that older Pennsylvanians have safe, community-centered places for gathering.

The Department has recently collaborated with the National Center to Reframe Aging. This partnership aims to promote Pennsylvania's more than 400 Senior Community Centers as vibrant hubs connecting older adults with essential resources and services. It forms part of "Aging Our Way, PA," a 10-year multisector plan designed to meet the needs of older adults in Pennsylvania.

Governor Josh Shapiro's budget for 2024-25 provided funding for developing the PA CareKit, another component of this plan. In his subsequent budget proposal for 2025-26, Governor Shapiro has allocated additional funds towards initiatives supporting older Pennsylvanians. This includes $3 million for continuing implementation efforts and a focus on modernizing the PA Link network, which facilitates access to long-term services.

Furthermore, Governor Shapiro's proposal includes $2 million aimed at increasing accountability within the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network. An additional $20 million investment is intended for AAAs to continue providing essential services to older adults.

Secretary Kavulich will be joined by Cameron County Commissioners Jessica Herzing, James Moate, and Joshua Zucal; Kim Briggs, Executive Director of Cameron/Elk/McKean Area Agency on Aging; and Don Perry, Board President of Emporium Senior Center.

The event will take place at Emporium Senior Center located at 105 E. 4th St., Emporium, PA on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

Media interested in attending are requested to RSVP via email at agingcomms@pa.gov.