Senior centers in Erie County are receiving an upgrade through American Rescue Plan funding.

Four centers will receive new vans and numerous centers will receive updated kitchen equipment, as well as new tables and chairs.

"This afternoon, I joined County Legislator Tim Meyers and Erie County Senior Services Commissioner Randall Hoak to present four Erie County senior centers with new transportation vans, to help get older adults to their appointments and activities across the county," Erie county Excutive Mark Poloncarz said. "In addition to upgraded meal service equipment and other resources at our senior centers, these improvements were all made possible though the American Rescue Plan. Erie County is proud to provide the support that ensures our older adults can stay active, independent, and connected to their communities."

According to officials, the goal is to give people in their retirement years a higher quality of life and more chances to still be involved in the community.

"We have an aging population in town. We have a lot of folks living independently. We have a growing loneliness epidemic," Cheektowaga Supervisor Brian Nowak said.