WASHINGTON ANNOUNCES STATE FUNDS AVAILABLE TO SENIOR CENTERS

          PHILADELPHIA, August 18 – State Senator Leanna M. Washington (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) today urged senior center officials to apply for the $4 million in state grants now available to help senior centers improve their facilities and services.

          “This is a great opportunity to improve the senior facilities throughout the community,” Washington said.  “These funds could help increase the value and enhance the services of area senior centers.”

          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 funds will be administered by the Department of Aging. Applications will be taken until Sept. 22, 2006.

          Senior centers that wish to apply can find additional information at the Department of Aging Web site  www.aging.state.pa.us, or the Pennsylvania Senior Centers Web site, www.paseniorcenters.org.