Catholic Health Care Services’ Norris Square Senior Community Center, located in the Norris Square neighborhood of North Philadelphia, has been selected to receive a Senior Community Grant in the amount of $80,877 from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.  These grant funds will help maintain the meal program at the center and will be used to provide much needed upgrades to its community kitchen.

Norris Square is a multi-service senior center funded by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging and Catholic Health Care Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CHCS).  In 2015 alone, the center provided more than 37,000 meals to at risk seniors. Staff members at Norris Square prepare approximately 50 breakfasts and 100 lunches daily. As a large contingent of those benefitting from the center come from the Hispanic community, specific efforts are made to provide meals that are aligned with their cultural experience.

In operation since 1973, the facility offers opportunities for socialization, recreation, physical exercise, education, and nutritional support with a focus on overall health, wellness and independence. It also provides access to nutritious meals, supplemental food resources, and direct assistance in applying for various benefits.

Norris Square is one of four CHCS Senior Community Centers in Philadelphia.  Combined, they offer 500 local senior adults the opportunity to enjoy hot meals, social and recreational events, art and music activities, spirituality programs, and day trips. Seniors also have the opportunity to engage in educational programs focused on health, nutrition, consumer issues, and technology. Three of the Senior Community Centers are accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers.

Norris Square is one of 43 senior centers in the commonwealth to receive a grant made possible by the Pennsylvania Lottery.  This year’s grants totaling $2 million will allow senior centers throughout the state to modernize physical plant, improve technology and expand programming.

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Editor’s Note: For more information about Catholic Health Care Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and its programs aimed at assisting senior citizens, please visit http://catholichealthcareservices.net/senior-centers/.