The Sarah Ralston Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Innovative Project Support Grants, a diverse group of nonprofit organizations committed to addressing the most pressing needs of vulnerable, underserved older adults across Philadelphia. These projects span a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, housing, digital literacy, and community engagement, with a focus on empowering this population and fostering resilience.
In Philadelphia, approximately 12% of residents aged 65 and older live below the poverty line, significantly limiting access to healthcare, housing, and nutritious food. Social isolation affects 43% of older adults nationwide, increasing the risk of premature mortality by 26%. These challenges highlight the critical importance of supporting innovative programs that empower older adults and address the unique barriers they face.
Since our inaugural grant cycle in the spring of 2023, we have funded over 50 nonprofits throughout Philadelphia, directly impacting the lives of thousands of older Philadelphians. The Sarah Ralston Foundation focuses its grantmaking on issues that disproportionately affect vulnerable older adults, including access to care, housing stability, and social connectedness. By funding innovative and proven solutions, the Foundation ensures that its resources drive meaningful change for underserved populations.
This year, the Foundation is excited to welcome new grantees who are pushing the boundaries of innovation, alongside partners whose continued dedication strengthens the fabric of our local communities.
Lynette Killen, Executive Director of the Sarah Ralston Foundation, shared, “We are thrilled to support these impactful initiatives, which directly address the challenges faced by our community’s most vulnerable, underserved older adults. From healthcare access to housing stability, these grants represent our commitment to empowering older adults with the tools and support they need to thrive.”
New Partners and Their Impactful Projects
We are excited to welcome new grantee partners who are tackling critical issues with fresh, innovative approaches:
- Affordable Housing Centers of Pennsylvania: The Will Power Program empowers low-income seniors with estate planning services to prevent tangled titles, protect their legacy, and foster generational wealth.
- Depaul USA: The Less Stress Through Breath program combines horticulture therapy and mindfulness to reduce social isolation and improve well-being among chronically homeless older adults.
- Episcopal Community Services (ECS): The LiveWell Program provides nutritional education, fitness classes, and wellness workshops to help older adults manage chronic diseases and improve quality of life.
- Overbrook West Neighbors: The West Philadelphia Handyperson Program offers essential home repairs to help low-income seniors safely age in place.
- Paraprofessional Training Institute (PTI): This initiative trains direct care workers and family caregivers, addressing Philadelphia’s urgent need for quality home healthcare support.
- Pathways to Housing PA: Using innovative technology tools, this program helps medically fragile older adults maintain independence and avoid institutional care.
- Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC): Crane’s N.E.S.T. empowers Asian immigrant seniors with bilingual digital literacy education and a welcoming community space.
- Philly House: The Senior Level Housing Program supports older men transitioning from homelessness to stable senior housing through case management and structured resources.
- Saint Joseph’s University: An innovative exercise program combines physical fitness with community-building activities to improve health outcomes for underserved seniors.
- SEAMAAC: The Roots of Happiness program teaches digital storytelling and cultural preservation skills to Asian American and Pacific Islander elders, reducing social isolation and fostering resilience.
- Widener University: This initiative supports kinship caregivers, particularly grandmothers raising grandchildren, while preparing future geriatric social workers with hands-on experience.
- William Way Community Center: Thrivers Program provides support groups and wellness programs for LGBTQ+ seniors, especially those living with HIV, to reduce social isolation and improve health outcomes.
Continuing Partnerships and Their Enduring Contributions
We are also proud to continue our support for several partners who have shown unwavering dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable, underserved older adults across Philadelphia. These organizations continue to lead impactful projects:
- African Family Health Organization (AFAHO): The Wisdom Village project reduces isolation among African and Caribbean immigrant elders through intergenerational connections, health screenings, and cultural preservation activities.
- ARTZ Philadelphia: The Café for Care Partners & Creative Connections program uses arts-based activities to support individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
- Caring for Friends: Phase 2 of this initiative expands food access and support services for vulnerable seniors, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness.
- Center in the Park (CIP): The BetterAge wellness tool empowers older adults with personalized health recommendations and peer-led support groups.
- Connectedly: This phone-based peer support program fosters connection and mutual engagement among homebound older adults.
- Generations On Line: This program bridges the digital divide with an AI Portal for Senior Engagement, helping older adults connect with family and reduce loneliness.
- Mazzoni Center: The Remote Patient Monitoring program provides continuous healthcare support for LGBTQ+ seniors managing chronic conditions.
- SeniorLAW Center: The Homeownership Rights Project protects low-income seniors from deed fraud, foreclosure, and title issues, ensuring housing stability.
- VisionLink: The Collaborative Education Program trains caregivers to improve the quality of life for visually impaired seniors in long-term care facilities.
These projects reflect a broad spectrum of needs within the Philadelphia landscape, including affordable housing, healthcare, digital literacy, and caregiver support. Whether addressing the challenges of aging, promoting intergenerational connection, or ensuring that vulnerable, underserved older adults have access to essential resources, these projects play a crucial role in strengthening the community.
The real-life impact of the Foundation’s support is best captured in the words of those who benefit from these programs. Charity Tarver, a member of Connectedly’s phone program, shared, “Connectedly gives you a sense of belonging. You feel like somebody truly cares about you. When I was hospitalized, Connectedly members called and visited me—it was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. Our weekly calls are so special; we share secrets, talk about cooking, and check in on each other’s health. It makes me feel appreciated and useful, giving me the opportunity to connect and share in ways I never had before.” Stories like Charity’s demonstrate the power of these innovative programs to transform lives, fostering connection, resilience, and hope.
The Sarah Ralston Foundation’s next General Operating Support Grant application will open on February 1, 2025, with a deadline of April 1, 2025. We encourage eligible nonprofits to apply and join us in making a meaningful impact on Philadelphia’s aging population. Visit www.sarahralstonfoundation.org for further information.