From the Desk of
Lynette Killen
Executive Director
Dear Friends and Supporters,
I hope this message finds you well and that you are staying cool and hydrated during these hot summer days. As we navigate through this season, I am excited to share with you the latest updates, events, and opportunities from the Sarah Ralston Foundation and our nonprofit partners.
In this edition, we spotlight several of our incredible nonprofit partners, including ARTZ Philadelphia, Feast of Justice, and Urban Resources and Development Corp (URDC). These organizations are making significant impacts in our community, and we are proud to support their missions.
We are thrilled to share the success of our recent event, “Supporting Older Adults – A Conversation for Nonprofit Agencies,” which took place on June 11th. In partnership with Foundation for Health Equity, we shared insights from the State’s “Aging Our Way” 10-year plan aimed at addressing the needs of older adults, along with a draft of the newest “Area Plan” from the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. The event provided a valuable platform for discussing critical issues and sharing best practices to better serve our aging population.
Additionally, this newsletter includes valuable information from Broad Street Love, The Center- Philadelphia, Abramson Senior Care, and VisionLink plus some advocacy opportunities for our readers. Please read on to learn more!
Thank you for your continued support and interest in our mission. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
Stay cool and take care!
Best regards,
Lynette Killen
Executive Director
Interested in Volunteering?
Check Out Our
Nonprofit Partner Directory!
Are you looking for ways to give back to the community and make a positive impact? We invite you to explore our Nonprofit Partner Directory on The Sarah Ralston Foundation website. Many of our partner organizations offer volunteer opportunities that can benefit from your time and talents. (Volunteer information, if available, is noted beneath the organization’s phone number on the directory.)
The directory provides links to the volunteer pages or direct contact information for the volunteer coordinators of various nonprofits. Whether you’re interested in helping out at local events, supporting community programs, or offering your professional skills, there’s a role for everyone.
Visit our Nonprofit Partner Directory and discover how you can get involved!
Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of the people these dedicated nonprofits serve. Thank you for considering volunteering with our partner organizations!
Supporting Older Adults:
A Conversation for
Nonprofit Agencies
On Tuesday, June 11th, The Sarah
Ralston Foundation and Foundation for Health Equity joined forces to host “Supporting Older Adults: A Conversation for Nonprofit Agencies.” This event provided a fantastic opportunity for our nonprofit partners to meet, network, and brainstorm ways to collaborate. We discussed Pennsylvania’s “Aging Our Way” 10-year plan and explored innovative strategies to support older adults in our community.
Our mission is to support and enhance the quality of life of vulnerable and underserved older adults residing in Philadelphia County. This event exemplifies our role as a central hub for nonprofits dedicated to serving our elders. By fostering collaboration and sharing resources, we strengthen our collective efforts and amplify our impact. Together, we are making significant strides in ensuring that older adults in our community receive the care and support they deserve.
We look forward to continuing these important discussions and working together to create a brighter future for our aging population.
Nonprofit Partner Spotlights:
ARTZ Philadelphia
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Feast of Justice
Feast of Justice: Empowering Northeast Philadelphia
Mission: Feast of Justice aims to address hunger, meet needs, and inspire hope while working towards abundant justice in Northeast Philadelphia and beyond.
Leadership: Rev. Patricia Neale serves as the Executive Director of Feast of Justice. With 17 years in this role, she brings a rich background in both faith and urban community work. She holds a Masters in Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and degrees in biomedical engineering. Originally from Baltimore, she has lived in Northeast Philadelphia since 2007. Rev. Neale engages with the community in both faith and food realms, working with local food councils and the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger.
Current Needs: Feast of Justice has seen significant growth over the past 18 months, now serving 3,600 active households and distributing about 20,000 lbs of food weekly. Despite being primarily volunteer-driven, the organization faces challenges in sourcing enough food, recruiting volunteers, and addressing the diverse needs of its growing population.
Success Story: To meet increased demand, Feast of Justice introduced the Pantry Express Pickup program. This initiative provides pre-packed boxes of dry goods and allows guests to choose fresh produce, meat, dairy, and bread items, streamlining the process while maintaining engagement.
For more information, visit FeastOfJustice.org.
Urban Resources and Development Corp.
Mission Statement: At Urban Resources Development Corporation
(URDC), our mission is to stabilize housing and communities in northwest Philadelphia, with a focus on Germantown, Mt. Airy, and East/West Oak Lane. As a 501c(3) non-profit, interfaith organization, we achieve this by rehabilitating homes for seniors and low-income individuals, enabling them to live independently and with dignity.
Executive Director: Joseph Waldo serves as URDC’s Executive Director, bringing with him a wealth of experience as an economist and the visionary behind our successful Home Repair Program. Joe’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding URDC’s reach, increasing membership, and developing innovative programs to better serve our community.
Current Needs:
- Contractor Support: Nearly half of our senior homeowners have fallen victim to contractor scams. We are committed to providing access to trustworthy contractors who deliver quality work. However, we seek to identify more reputable contractors willing to work within our service area.
- Sustainable Income: To ensure our long-term viability, we are focused on developing sustainable funding streams independent of fluctuating grants. While we currently generate income through rental properties, we aim to diversify our revenue sources, particularly through individual donor support.
Success Story: Mr. and Mrs. C, a retired couple living on Social Security, faced a dire situation when Mr. C had a stroke and they couldn’t afford the $12,000 needed for roof repairs. URDC stepped in and discovered additional interior and structural issues totaling $15,000. With the combined repairs beyond their means, they were at risk of losing their home.
Thanks to URDC’s intervention, they received a $5,000 donation for roof repair and secured a low-interest loan for structural fixes. URDC also organized two volunteer days to address interior repairs, all at no cost to the Cs. This support allowed them to stay in their home and “age in place”.
“In the face of a collapsing structure and overwhelming repairs, URDC saved us. Without them, we would have lost everything.”
~ Mr. and Mrs. C, Germantown
Program Success: Among our achievements, the launch of our collaborative Home Strong program stands out. Designed to empower seniors and preserve the value of their homes, Home Strong offers seminars and practical assistance in home maintenance and transfer planning. Following a successful beta test, Home Strong is now expanding to reach more senior homeowners in our community, safeguarding them against displacement and gentrification.
At URDC, we remain dedicated to our mission of creating safer, healthier homes and stronger communities. Your support enables us to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
For more information on how you can get involved or support our programs, visit www.buildgermantown.org.
Thank you, ARTZ Philadelphia, Feast of Justice and URDC
for sharing your stories with us!
Events and Opportunities
Clothing Donations and Volunteer Opportunities: The Center - Philadelphia
Volunteer Opportunity: Summer often brings a slowdown in volunteer
interest. We need your support at Grace Cafe:
- Sunday Meal Service: Volunteers needed from 3 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Help serve dinner and assist with light cleanup.
- Kitchen Volunteers: Join us in the kitchen from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. All skill levels welcome.
- Daytime Drop-in Center: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Assist with supervising the drop-in space, organizing clothing, helping with computer access, and conversing with guests.
Clothing Donations Needed:
In 2023, The Center Philadelphia distributed over 21,000 articles of clothing, providing dignity-affirming services to our neighbors. We currently have an urgent need for men’s clothing in all sizes, especially:
- Sweatpants, jeans, shorts, and t-shirts
- Accessories like shoes, belts, and hats
Please consider organizing a clothing drive or donating gently used items on Sundays between 12 p.m. – 3 p.m., or Monday through Thursday between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. New items can be donated through our Amazon Wish List.
For more details or to volunteer, please email our development coordinator at natalie@archstreetumc.org. Your generosity sustains our critical service work. Thank you!
Nonprofits in the News
CMS Launches Medicare
Dementia Care Model
Nonprofit partner, Abramson Senior Care and Suburban Geriatrics
announced they have been selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in a new Medicare alternative payment model designed to support people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Under CMS’ Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, the interdisciplinary team from Abramson Senior Care and Suburban Geriatrics will be one of almost 400 participants building Dementia Care Programs (DCPs) across the country, working to increase care coordination and improve access to services and supports, including respite care, for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Read more: CMS Launches Medicare Dementia Care Model (abramsonseniorcare.org)
Get Your 2024 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) Produce Vouchers!
The 2024 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) voucher distribution is happening in-person at PCA and participating senior centers from June 24 through September 30, while supplies last. Eligible older adults in Philadelphia can receive $50 worth of vouchers to redeem for local produce at certified farmers markets. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to access fresh, nutritious produce! Read more about how to qualify and where to get your vouchers.
Celebrating the Art of Aging: Older Adults Shine on Stage
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) recently hosted a remarkable event showcasing the talents of older adults. The “Art of Aging” event provided a platform for seniors to express their creativity and share their stories through performance and visual arts. Discover how these inspiring individuals are redefining aging and making their mark on the stage. Read the full article to learn more.
Advocacy Matters!
Philadelphia Coalition for Affordable Communities
The Philadelphia Coalition for Affordable Communities (PCAC) advocates for affordable housing and food in Philadelphia. Representing over 100,000 poor and working-class Philadelphians, PCAC has secured over $800 million in city funding for affordable housing over the past 23 years.
Key Achievements:
- Established Philadelphia’s Housing Trust Fund and Land Bank.
- Amended Philadelphia’s Charter to allocate 0.5% of the general fund to housing, adding $25 million annually.
- Influenced new Land Justice legislation, prioritizing community-owned projects and permanent affordability.
Learn more at PCAC’s website.
Thank you for taking the time to review The Sarah Ralston Foundation’s July Newsletter! If you have feedback or suggestions, please contact communications manager Claire Lynch at clynch@sarahralstonfoundation.org.