This article originally appeared in the San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender News. Read it here in its original form.
The San Diego Seniors Community Foundation (SDSCF) has granted $195,209 in funding for nine local organizations that support vulnerable older people across San Diego County. The San Diego LGBT Community Center was one of the grantees, receiving approximately $50,000.
The funds come at a time when older people are expected to face extended challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Made possible by SDSCF’s No Senior Alone Initiative, and a matching grant from the Sahm Family Foundation, the grants aim to support solutions to the social isolation epidemic, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.
“To support our most isolated seniors, we must invest in a diverse set of providers that develop senior programming, build connective networks, and create opportunities for seniors to contribute to the community. By empowering and partnering with nine uniquely positioned organizations — from Oceanside to City Heights — through this funding, we are prioritizing the health of vulnerable seniors from diverse backgrounds and neighborhoods, each facing different challenges due to social isolation. We are steadfast in our commitment to ensure no senior is alone in San Diego County.”
Bob Kelly, Founder, CEO & President, San Diego Seniors Community Foundation
The organizations to receive grant support were selected because of the diversity of the older people they serve and for their commitment to addressing the growing needs and concerns of often underserved older people across various local communities. In alignment with the goals of the No Senior Alone Initiative, each organization will provide services that decrease social isolation through tailored and unique approaches that meet the needs of San Diego’s most vulnerable older people. Together, SDSCF and the nine organizations will implement solutions to provide older people with trusted resources, support, and connections during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Center was awarded $50,034 as part of the Community Outreach and Digital Support program, which provides equipment, instruction and support to improve virtual connection for LGBTQ seniors.
More information about The Center’s 50 and Better senior services program is here.
