Our Vision & Mission

We envision a world where the senior population of San Diego County is nurtured into a healthy, dynamic way of life; where they are socially connected, physically active and a vital element of our community.

Our mission is to transition San Diego seniors from vulnerable to vibrant, through the power of philanthropy—and that no local senior is left without access to the resources to thrive.

Senior Centers: What We Have Now and What We Need

Just Released

Read San Diego Seniors Community Foundation’s report on the state of San Diego senior centers.

A Looming Crisis

  • San Diego's senior population is expected to double by 2030.
  • 33% of seniors over age 65 live alone.
  • 2 out of 5 seniors in San Diego County face severe economic hardship in meeting even the most basic of needs.
  • 1 in 10 seniors experience elder abuse in their lifetimes.
senior woman holding a cane

We Need Your Help

The San Diego Senior Community Foundation is working to improve the quality of life for seniors in our region through the power of philanthropy. Currently, less than 2% of charitable giving nationwide is directed toward programs for senior citizens. By giving to SDSCF, you can be sure that your money is going to fund initiatives, programs, and infrastructure that will directly support seniors in San Diego. Together we can ensure that all seniors have someone they can turn to and trust.

News & Updates

senior man with head down holding hands in front of face

A Local Response to the Scourge of Elder Abuse

Posted: November 5, 2019

Elder abuse is a growing public health concern that will touch 1 in 10 American seniors. In San Diego, a group called the Elder Protection Council is working to combat it.

Panel participants (l-r) Joe Gavin, Melinda Forstey, Simonne Ruff, and Rebecca Louie

San Diego’s Senior Homelessness Crisis and the Role of Affordable Housing

Posted: November 1, 2019

SDSCF convened a panel of local experts at Voice of San Diego’s Politifest Housing & Transportation Summit to discuss the harsh economic reality facing seniors living in our increasingly unaffordable region.

Bob Kelly interviewed by KUSI at the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center

News Report: San Diego Lags Behind in Providing Resources for Senior Centers

Posted: October 30, 2019

KUSI News reported this week on San Diego Seniors Community Foundation’s recent senior center assessment, the first-ever report of its kind conducted in San Diego.

Carl Russell, 72, and Victor Quslan, 62, relax in the community room at the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center

News Report: County Senior Centers Lack Resources to Support Growing Elder Population

Posted: October 29, 2019

The Union-Tribune reported on San Diego Seniors Community Foundation’s inaugural senior center assessment this week, interviewing President & CEO Bob Kelly on the role these centers play in supporting older adults’ wellbeing.