(Photo Provided) The OáNeill Center in Marietta held an adventurous eating series where guests were able to sample unusual foods and learn about their benefits.

The O’Neill Center announced in a press release it has been selected as one of three agencies across the state of Ohio to provide minor home modification projects funded by the Ohio Department of Aging’s pilot program supported by the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In addition to O’Neill, Wood County Council on Aging and United Senior Services of Clark County were selected for pilot programs.

The release said for more than 37 years, the O’Neill Center has served thousands of older adults providing many important services and life enrichment activities. The center also partners with the City of Belpre for management of the Belpre Senior Center, which is an extension of the offerings at the Marietta location, ensuring services throughout the entire county.

“We are ecstatic to have been chosen for this pilot through the Ohio Department of Aging that will allow us to make low-cost changes to the home environment that is directly related to reducing the risk of falling and improving the general safety,” said Executive Director Connie Huntsman in the release.

Residents of Washington County who meet criteria, including being age 60 and over and having low to moderate income levels, are eligible for a variety of tasks that are expected to make the living environment tasks easier, reduce accidents and lengthen the amount of time the resident can continue to live in their primary residence. Projects will have a strict limit of $5,000 and only one repair per household during the project period which is in effect until Sept. 30, 2024.

(Photo Provided) The OáNeill Center recently held a Health Fair where attendees were able to learn about valuable community resources.

The release said those who are interested in being considered for this service are encouraged to contact the O’Neill Center at 740-373-3914 Monday-Friday. It also said licensed and insured contractors interested in working with the O’Neill Center are encouraged to reach out.

(Photo Provided) A pergola provides a little shade for OáNeill Center guests to enjoy a nice afternoon.