Gifts for Seniors

The social mission:

Gifts for Seniorsstrives to alleviate the devastating adverse health impacts of loneliness andsocial isolation for over 8,000 older adults each year. Our inclusive programsprovide life-affirming contact and equitable access to community resources forliving and aging well.

The community challenge:

In our changing social structure, loneliness among older adults has become exceedingly prevalent.Losing connections to family, friends, and the community leads to greater risks for health and wellbeing decline. The U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness as a new public health epidemic. This societal crisis will be exacerbated by the permanent demographic shift of having more older adults than school-aged children in our communities.

The community collaborative:

Our volunteer fleet has breadth and depth throughout the community engaging retirees, corporate volunteers, and families. We have established partnerships with over 150 aging services organizations across the state. These represent community centers, adult day care providers, home visiting services, Meals on Wheels, the Living at Home Network, county case managers, mental health providers, home healthcare agencies, government low-income public housing, senior living communities, independent group homes, social service agencies, healthcare facilities, faith communities, senior social clubs, culturally specific organizations, and other nonprofits.

The community served:

Gifts for Seniors serves individuals from over 16 cultural and ethnic communities. 100% are low-income or on a fixed budget due to age and 96% identify as having limited social opportunities. We are intentional about supporting those with the largest equity gaps to reduce disparities and every program initiative is a need identified by the community themselves.

The community programs:

• Gifts for Seniors - basic needs for living and aging well

• Food for Seniors - hunger relief for those in need

• Tech for Seniors - devices, affordable internet, & digital literacy education

• Cards for Seniors - inspiring human connection one card at a time