Because of You, Seniors Like Bridget Can Stay Independent
Spring is a season of renewal.
As the days grow longer and brighter, many of us open our windows, clear out what we no longer need, and look ahead with hope.
For many older adults in our community, hope looks much simpler. It looks like being able to stay in their own home. And your support can help make that possible.
If you would like to help seniors remain independent at home, you can make a gift today at goaging.org/donate.
Meet Bridget
Bridget is a retired nurse who spent decades caring for others, and now lives on Social Security and a modest pension. Several years ago, she suffered a stroke. Before she was even discharged from rehab, she was connected to our Home-Delivered Meal program. Those meals ensured she had proper nutrition while she recovered and regained strength. Today, she is strong enough to enjoy meals at the Senior Center with friends.
Her local care manager at the center has helped her secure essential equipment, such as a shower seat and walker when needed, provided donated supplies when available, and assisted her with complex annual rent rebate paperwork. When anxiety and mobility challenges make paperwork overwhelming, we make sure Bridget is not alone.
Bridget’s story is not unique. It reflects the reality of hundreds of seniors we serve. With the steady support of her local Senior Center, Bridget remains independent. Without these services, she would likely need assisted living.
Yet the programs that make this independence possible are facing serious threats.
Here in our state, the Senior Services Growth and Development Fund was established to ensure dedicated funding for older adults, with a requirement to distribute a certain percentage of funds to Area Agencies on Aging.
This year’s proposed state budget includes a 20% cut to that distribution.
Federally, funding has remained level for years. As food, fuel, insurance, and staffing costs rise exponentially, flat funding functions as a cut.
The result? A growing gap between what it costs to serve seniors and what funding provides.
We will continue to advocate fiercely for the seniors we serve.
But we cannot do it without you.
Your donation today helps ensure that neighbors like Bridget can remain safely in their homes, with nutritious meals, compassionate care management, and the dignity of independence. Your voice also matters.
We encourage you to contact your state and federal representatives and urge them to protect and strengthen funding for senior services.
This spring, please make a generous gift to support your local Senior Center. You can donate directly at the center, mail a check or give online at goaging.org/donate. Together, we can protect what matters most and ensure that growing older in our community means growing older at home.
Thank you for supporting older adults in our community,
The Care Connection Team
P.S.
Last year, Care Connection served more than 424,000 meals to local seniors. As food, fuel, and staffing costs continue to rise, the gap between funding and reality grows wider. Give today and help protect the dignity and independence of our neighbors.
Donate Today to Help Older Adults Remain Independent