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Baltimore, MD - The Maryland Department of Aging has allocated more than $750,000 in funds to support innovative programs and critical operating needs for senior centers across the state, with an emphasis on supporting rural counties. Each county receives funding based on the number of Marylanders aged 60 and older who live there, while Caroline, Cecil, Harford, and Worcester counties were awarded additional competitive funds through the FY25 Senior Center Operating Fund (SCOF) for innovative programs that serve historically underserved communities.
“While a quarter of Maryland’s residents enjoy the benefits that living in rural communities offer, they also face many unique challenges,” said Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Carmel Roques. “Our multisector plan for aging, Longevity Ready Maryland, prioritizes innovative programs that connect Marylanders to local resources and communities that support social, emotional, and physical health as we age.”
One innovative program offered in Harford County, the BLOOM Project (Building Longevity Outreach on the Move), received $34,000 in funding from the Department of Aging. The BLOOM Project connects low-income older adults who live in subsidized housing to on-site health promotion programming and congregate meals, conveniently providing increased social engagement and offering residents additional supports and services.
“This ‘senior center without walls’ bridges the gap between older adults with limited resources and the benefits of traditional brick-and-mortar senior centers,” said Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly. “By bringing engaging programs directly to residents, the BLOOM Project addresses health, nutrition, and socialization issues often faced by lower income residents in Harford County.”
Other competitive FY25 SCOF awards include:
- $20,000 to Caroline County to fund exercise and nutritional education programs at the Federalsburg Senior Center;
- $31,000 to increase programming hours at the Elkton Senior Center and Cecil County virtual offerings, as well as enhancing community engagement by recruiting more volunteers through Americorp and local Rotary Clubs; and
- $15,000 to Worcester County to train exercise instructors and purchase equipment for yoga, tai chi, group exercise, meditation, and memory programs supporting veterans.
To learn more about Maryland’s senior centers or the annual and competitive SCOF awards, visit Aging.Maryland.Gov. For more information on Longevity Ready Maryland, visit LRM.Maryland.Gov.
Media Contact:
Barbara Sigler
Communications Director
Maryland Department of Aging
Office: 410-767-4170
Email: barbara.sigler@maryland.gov
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