Bizzarro: Roughly $50,000 coming to help Erie County senior centers
Grant money to help fight COVID-19, provide programming & more
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro January 7, 2021 | 4:43 PM
ERIE, Jan. 7- State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, announced that the Greater Erie Community Action Committee has been awarded $49,383 by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to be used by 10 senior community centers in Erie County.
“These senior centers are hubs in the community, serving as a vital link between seniors and the help they need with food, health issues and so much more,” Bizzarro said. “Temporary closure of the centers due to the COVID-19 pandemic have made that mission challenging, and this money can help them now.”
The funds can be used for COVID-19 mitigation, capital improvements and renovations, providing programs and services, purchasing technology that could be used to reach seniors in their homes, nutrition services, marketing and outreach or even building rent and utilities.
In Erie County, the $49,383 will be split among:
- LECOM Center for Health and Aging.
- Mercy Hilltop Center.
- John F. Kennedy Center.
- Erie West Senior Center.
- North East Senior Center.
- Northwestern Senior Center.
- R. Benjamin Wiley Central City Activity Center.
- Union City Senior Center.
- Tri-Boro Senior Center.
- Corry Senior Center.
“One of the highlights of my year is getting to talk with seniors, and hear about their issues and how I can help each year at my senior fairs,” Bizzarro said. “Even when I had to host them in a drive-thru format because of COVID-19, hundreds lined up to be connected with the help they need to live their golden years to the fullest. That shows how strong the need is, and I’m glad this money from the state will continue to help.”
Seniors looking for help with state programs or services can always contact Bizzarro’s office at 814-835-2880. More information on GECAC’s senior centers can be found here. The Department of Aging’s program information, including a complete list of recipients can be found here.