Three senior centers in Berks County are among 436 statewide recipients of state funding aimed at strengthening services for older adults. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging announced a $3 million investment to support senior community centers across the Commonwealth, with three facilities in Berks awarded a combined total of more than $100,000.
The Casa de la Amistad Senior Center received $77,980 to enhance its nutrition services, the largest amount among the Berks County recipients. The Mifflin Wellness & Activity Center was awarded $9,895, and the Reading Wellness & Activity Center received $12,678. Both centers plan to use the funding to support new programs and services.
The funding includes $2 million in competitive grants from the 2024–25 state budget and an additional $1 million in non-competitive grants established under Governor Josh Shapiro’s first budget. The competitive grants target larger projects such as facility upgrades, new programming, technology improvements, and enhanced nutrition offerings. Non-competitive grants of $2,525 were distributed to 396 centers statewide to address smaller-scale needs.
“Pennsylvania’s Senior Community Centers are a cornerstone in our communities and a pillar of daily life for the older adults they serve,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “The projects funded by both the competitive and non-competitive grants will help the recipients enhance the programs and services already in place as well as create new opportunities.”
All funding was made available through the Pennsylvania Lottery, which supports programs benefitting older Pennsylvanians. There are more than 450 senior centers across the state affiliated with Area Agencies on Aging, offering meals, educational and wellness programs, transportation, and social engagement opportunities.
The investment comes as part of a broader proposal in Governor Shapiro’s 2025–26 budget, which includes additional funding for oversight and services through the Area Agency on Aging network.
