(Washington, DC) The Office on Aging announced today an interim grantee to provide services for seniors in Ward 8.

The Greater Washington Urban League Division of Aging Services (GWUL) will lead services in Ward 8 until September 30, 2004. Provided services will include the newly opened congregate nutrition site at Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center, and the existing congregate nutrition sites at Knox Hill Senior Building and Claibourne House at Matthews Memorial Church.

"Services to seniors in Ward 8 will not be disrupted as a consequence of the discontinuance of month to month funding of services provided by Senior Citizens Counseling and Delivery Service," said E. Veronica Pace, executive director, DC Office on Aging.

The GWUL currently leads services for seniors in Wards 2 and 5. Other services that will be provided will include counseling, health promotion, nutrition counseling and education, socialization, literacy, transportation to sites and activities and weekday and weekend home delivered meals.

"We are confident that the Greater Washington Urban League will be able to lead services in this area and ensure that no senior who desires service will be turned away," added Ms. Pace. Seniors seeking services in Ward 8 should call (202) 529-8701 to access services and programs. In addition, seniors may call the Office on Aging Information and Assistance Line at (202) 724-5626.