For immediate release
November 18, 2011

Contact:
Jason Wilkinson
719-471-7080 x139

PPACG Board approves additional funds for senior meals

Colorado Springs, CO–During its November meeting, the PPACG Board of Directors was pleased to approve over $200,000 in additional federal funding for needed senior programs in El Paso, Teller, and Park counties. These funds will primarily be used to provide more meals to residents over the age of 60. In Park County, the Home Delivered Meal Program will receive an additional $14,000 just weeks after announcing program shortages. The Housing Authority of Colorado Springs, which had been projecting an $112,000 deficit, was awarded an additional $96,000 for the Golden Circle Nutrition Program. Golden Circle serves meals in El Paso and Teller counties.

“Meals have been established as our highest priority,” said PPACG Area Agency on Aging Director Guy Dutra-Silveira. “We are grateful to be able to support the nutritional needs of our elders at this time.”

The additional funds became available after the State Unit on Aging received federal funds above a previously estimated amount. “While these additional dollars will make it possible for seniors in urban El Paso County to receive additional meals assistance, it will also help those folks in rural areas who are most in need,” said PPACG Chair Sallie Clark.

Other services receiving funding include transportation, caregiver programs, home safety renovations, dental services, case management and in-home support. The funds awarded are from the Federal Older Americans Act. 

PPACG serves as the state-designated Area Agency on Aging for El Paso, Park and Teller counties. The agency administers programs and services funded through the federal Older Americans Act and the State of Colorado to give older adults what they most desire—the ability to live independently in their own homes and avoid costly institutionalization.

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