The Sarah Ralston Foundation

2024 Innovative Project Support Grantees Announced by the Sarah Ralston Foundation 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." Read more about our Innovative Project Support Grantees: https://lnkd.in/ed_HJgEp

Check out The Sarah Ralston Foundation November Newsletter! You'll find information about retiring Executive Director, Lynette Killen, a deep dive into our Nonprofit Partner, Mazzoni Center, and lots of resources and events, both virtual and in-person!

The Sarah Ralston Foundation Announces Retirement of Executive Director, Lynnette Killen The Sarah Ralston Foundation is both proud and bittersweet as we announce the upcoming retirement of our esteemed Executive Director, Lynette Killen, at the end of 2024. Lynette’s six years of devoted service have been marked by remarkable leadership, significant transitions, and steadfast advocacy for older adults. Join us in thanking Lynette for her unwavering dedication and wishing her joy in her upcoming chapter. Stay tuned for future updates on the announcement of the new Executive Director. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eWHx4jTZ

Recap: Loneliness and Social Isolation:?Identifying, Understanding, and Addressing the Issue The Sarah Ralston Foundation, in partnership with experts from Penn Medicine, Penn’s Village, and St. Joseph’s University, hosted an engaging session at the PCA Annual Regional Conference on Aging. The discussion, titled "Loneliness and Social Isolation: Identifying, Understanding, and Addressing the Issue," brought together leaders in the field to explore how these challenges impact older adults and practical ways to address them. Nora Brier, PsyD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Penn Medicine, kicked off the session by presenting research on the behavioral and emotional impact of loneliness and social isolation. Dr. Brier explained how these issues not only affect mental health but also increase the risk of chronic physical conditions, including heart disease and dementia. She shared strategies for recognizing and mitigating loneliness in clinical settings, emphasizing the importance of proactive support. Jane Eleey, Executive Director of Penn’s Village, introduced the audience to the unique role of "villages" in fostering community connections for older adults. She highlighted the importance of volunteer-driven programs that offer transportation, companionship, and technology assistance, enabling seniors to age in place with dignity. Jane shared inspiring stories from Penn’s Village members, demonstrating the power of social connection in improving quality of life. Lynda Lemisch, OTD, OTR/L, Clinical Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at St. Joseph’s University, concluded the presentation by focusing on how occupational therapy plays a critical role in combating isolation. Dr. Lemisch shared practical interventions, from home modifications to creative arts programming, that help older adults remain engaged in their daily lives. She stressed the importance of understanding individual goals to create meaningful, person-centered interventions. The session wrapped up with a lively discussion, with participants sharing their experiences and ideas for future collaboration. The Sarah Ralston Foundation is grateful to PCA for the opportunity to facilitate this important conversation and looks forward to continued efforts in addressing loneliness and social isolation among older adults. For more information about The Sarah Ralston Foundation and our General Operating Support and Innovative Project Support grants, visit https://lnkd.in/ez8dThy6

Post-Event Summary: Advocacy in Action – October 22, 2024 On October 22, the Sarah Ralston Foundation (SRF)?and the Foundation for Health Equity (F4HE)?came together to host?"Advocacy in Action: Empowering Nonprofits to Champion Older Adults" — a conversation for nonprofit leaders dedicated to supporting our elders. The event, held at Braid Mill?in Philadelphia's Germantown, was born out of discussions from the previous convening, where attendees expressed the need for deeper conversations about advocacy. This enthusiasm shaped the theme of the session, which exceeded expectations with 30 engaged participants, the maximum capacity of the room. Bethany Flood, Executive Director of F4HE, highlighted the value of creating spaces for nonprofits to connect: “Advocacy thrives when organizations network, collaborate, and share ideas. This convening allowed us to foster these connections, helping nonprofits grow stronger together as they champion the needs of older adults.” David Griffith?from Center in the Park (CIP)?shared CIP’s innovative advocacy initiatives, emphasizing their commitment to centering members' voices. He described CIP’s engagement with city and state officials, advocacy efforts around the redevelopment of the Germantown YWCA, and participation in campaigns like the “Aging Our Way PA” planning process.?His presentation underscored the importance of community-based participatory research?and building strong partnerships?to amplify advocacy impact. Karen Buck?of SeniorLAW Center?discussed the legal boundaries for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in advocacy, differentiating between issue education, lobbying, and political activity. She highlighted the organization’s work on guardianship reform, eviction prevention, and funding advocacy for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).?Karen’s talk equipped attendees with practical strategies to remain compliant while making meaningful contributions to policy conversations. The diversity of participants—from organizations like Generations Online, Urban Resources and Development Corporation, Abramson Senior Care, African Family Health Organization,?and the Health Federation of Philadelphia—fostered dynamic conversations throughout the event. Attendee Toby Dichter of Generations Online?reflected, “In all my years of working with foundations, I’ve never seen this level of engagement and genuine interest in our work.” Tomiko Shine of Aging People in Prison Human Rights Campaign?added, “We are each other’s resource, partner, collaborator, and change agents. Thank you for your intentional thoughtfulness and efforts on our behalf.” The event concluded with discussions on future topics, with participants expressing strong interest in sessions focused on fundraising, grant writing,?and housing challenges.?Both SRF and F4HE remain committed to supporting these evolving needs by continuing to convene meaningful conversations and empowering nonprofits in ways that matter most to them.

Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, marks Ageism Awareness Day, an important opportunity to bring attention to the often-overlooked issue of age discrimination. As a society, we frequently underestimate the value and contributions of older adults, which can lead to harmful stereotypes, exclusion, and missed opportunities for engagement. At the Sarah Ralston Foundation, supporting the well-being and dignity of older adults is central to our mission. In recognition of Ageism Awareness Day, we sat down with Lynette Killen, Executive Director of The Sarah Ralston Foundation, to discuss the challenges of ageism, the Foundation's efforts to combat it, and how we can work together to ensure that older adults are treated with respect and dignity. Read "Shining a Light on Ageism: Questions and Answers about Ageism Awareness Day with Lynette Killen" https://lnkd.in/eeFhaUfg

Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, marks Ageism Awareness Day, an important opportunity to bring attention to the often-overlooked issue of age discrimination. As a society, we frequently underestimate the value and contributions of older adults, which can lead to harmful stereotypes, exclusion, and missed opportunities for engagement. At the Sarah Ralston Foundation, supporting the well-being and dignity of older adults is central to our mission. In recognition of Ageism Awareness Day, we sat down with Lynette Killen, Executive Director of The Sarah Ralston Foundation, to discuss the challenges of ageism, the Foundation's efforts to combat it, and how we can work together to ensure that older adults are treated with respect and dignity. Read "Shining a Light on Ageism: Questions and Answers about Ageism Awareness Day with Lynette Killen" https://lnkd.in/eeFhaUfg

Stay Informed, Stay Connected! The Sarah Ralston Foundation invites you to join our bi-monthly newsletter community! Every other month, we share valuable insights on how we support and enhance the quality of life for vulnerable and underserved older adults residing in Philadelphia County. Our newsletter highlights the incredible work being done by local nonprofits, updates on our grants, upcoming events, and inspiring stories from the field. By subscribing, you’ll gain access to: * Spotlights on the impactful work of our nonprofit partners. * Event information and opportunities to engage with local initiatives. * Grant updates and success stories that show the power of philanthropy in action. Join our growing community and stay informed about the latest opportunities and stories that demonstrate how we’re working together to make a difference. Sign up today!?https://lnkd.in/eEDa2RAi

Dear Friends of the Sarah Ralston Foundation, As summer winds down, we’re excited to share all the incredible work happening in our community through the efforts of our nonprofit partners. In this edition, we’re proud to spotlight Broad Street Love, whose dedication to supporting vulnerable communities inspires us. You’ll also find exciting events hosted by ARTZ Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels, PCA, Center in the Park, estate planning workshops from Let’s See If We Can Help, Inc., and more. We’re also in the midst of our 2nd Annual Innovative Project Support Grant cycle! We received 42 applications, and we’re eagerly anticipating the announcement of our grantees on November 15th. This grant is crucial in supporting creative programs and projects that serve vulnerable, underserved older adults in Philadelphia. As always, thank you for your continued support. We encourage you to share this newsletter with friends and family and invite them to?sign up?to stay informed about the extraordinary work happening in our community! With Gratitude, Lynette Killen Executive Director Read our September, 2024 Newsletter!

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 the summer edition of our newsletter, 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 The Center- Philadelphia, Abramson Senior Care, and VisionLink plus some advocacy opportunities for our readers. Please check it out 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 For more details and to read the full newsletter, visit https://lnkd.in/eH9BGet9