United Way Focuses on Seniors

The United Way of Allegheny County has handed out its second round of competitive grants. These grants were all focused on helping to keep seniors healthy and safe as they age. Local United Way President Robert Nelkin says there is a large number of seniors in the area and many of them need our help to make sure they stay healthy and in their homes if they choose. 31 agencies applied for the grants. Just five grants totaling $714,625 were awarded ranging from a quarter million dollars for the age well program to $80,000 for the east Liberty Family Health Care Center. Nelkin says all of the winning agencies had to prove they could get results and the United Way will track the programs to make sure they are performing. The first round of competitive grants was awarded by the united way in June. Those were focused on helping the county’s at risk youth. Nelkin says the next round will focus on financial stability. In the past the United Way has awarded grants to agencies it has dealt with in the past but the board wanted to make sure it was getting the biggest bang for its dollars. Other agencies receiving grants include; Family Services of Western Pennsylvania, Northern Area Companies/Northern Area Multi-service center, and Vintage.