SAN DIEGO, November 19, 2020
Link: Video of Press Conference
- Nine local nonprofits funded for innovative programs that address issues faced by older people struggling with isolation during COVID-19 pandemic
- Outdoor health program to create physical therapy and exercise classes in safe, socially distant outdoor setting
- San Diego LGBT Center to improve virtual connection for its seniors
- Community health worker outreach program to support isolated seniors in City Heights and surrounding communities
WHAT: The San Diego Seniors Community Foundation (SDSCF) announces $195,209 in grant funding for nine local organizations that support vulnerable older people across San Diego County. These funds come at a critical time as 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 recent epidemic, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.
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.
WHY: One in three adults aged 65+ live alone, and one in four are at risk of becoming “elder orphans” with no one to care for them as they age. By investing in programming that improves virtual connection, increases access to physical activity and creates more opportunities for safe social interaction, older people can be better supported to overcome isolation as the COVID-19 pandemic persists.
GRANT AWARDEES:
- Villa Musica: $27,200 for Music on the Move, bringing outdoor concerts and workshops to seniors
- San Marcos Senior Center: $14,910 for Connecting Seniors with Technology, a program to bridge the digital divide by providing equipment, instruction and support to seniors
- The Challenge Center: $16,000 for Outdoor Health Programs for Seniors, creating physical therapy and exercise classes safe, socially distant in outdoor setting
- Somali Family Services: $25,000 for Community Health Worker Outreach Program, supporting isolated seniors in City Heights and surrounding communities
- Oceanside Senior Center: $15,000 for Digital Cafe, a program to provide equipment, instruction, and support to improve virtual connection for seniors
- Peninsula Shepherd Center: $16,000 for Connections through Technology program, a program to provide equipment, instruction and support to improve virtual connection for seniors
- Foundation for Senior Care: $6,620 for Telehealth Connections program, providing equipment and support to help rural seniors access medical care through digital platform
- The San Diego LGBT Center: $50,034 for Community Outreach and Digital Support program, equipment, instruction and support to improve virtual connection for LGBTQ seniors
- Neighborhood House Senior Center: $24,445 for Virtual Health and Wellness program, a program to provide equipment, instruction, and support to improve virtual connection for seniors
NO SENIOR ALONE DETAILS:
The Sahm Family Foundation has issued a $500,000 matching grant challenge to help the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation end social isolation during COVID-19. With an incentive to double other donations received, the gift aims to encourage others in the region to improve the lives of isolated older people.
QUOTES:
“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,” said Bob Kelly, founder, CEO and president of San Diego Seniors Community Foundation.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND CONTACT:
- Organization: San Diego Seniors Community Foundation
- For interviews: Contact Isabella Oidem, Isabella@gomixte.com, 619-732-0789 x 472
- Link to use in your story: No Senior Alone
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About SDSCF: The San Diego Seniors Community Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2017. Its priority focus is to improve the lives of older people in San Diego County, so they are physically active, socially connected, and receive the support they need to live healthy, dynamic lives. SDSCF is founded on the vision of Bob Kelly, former president and CEO of The San Diego Foundation. He is a passionate advocate and committed leader who envisions a world where older people are an essential element of our community —where they are no longer vulnerable, but vibrant. SDSCF is one of the only community foundations in the country to be solely focused on older people. It exists to ensure that every local older person has someone they can turn to and trust.
