By Nancy Young
Enquirer contributor

WEST CHESTER TWP. - After 11 years serving senior citizens throughout West Chester and Liberty townships using mobile volunteers, the West Chester Area Coalition on Aging has a permanent home.

The new coalition office is located at 9100 Centre Pointe Drive, Suite 280, in West Chester's Union Centre area. It is staffed by volunteers and is open at varying times Monday through Friday.

The coalition's goal is to recruit enough volunteers to staff the office during set hours.

"Our office will serve as an information and referral source for local seniors and their families, providing direction to various services available in West Chester and Liberty townships. Individuals may also call or stop by to discuss issues of concern, which can be addressed at monthly coalition meetings," said Karen Lowery, special assistant to the executive director of Senior Citizens Inc., one of the coalition's sponsors.

"I have worked as a volunteer with various coalition activities and also benefited from the organization's services myself," said West Chester resident Ralph Seibel. "It is very gratifying to direct seniors to the appropriate business or individual when they need help."

The Coalition meets the third Thursday of the month at 9:45 a.m. in the West Chester Township Hall at 9100 Centre Pointe Drive. Past coalition projects have included establishing a senior transportation service and home-delivered meals program, delivering Christmas gifts to home-delivered meals clients, publishing a service directory for older adults, organizing an annual health fair and sponsoring a variety show.

For more information, call 513-759-7225 (24-hour voice mail).