CARING FOR THOSE WHO CARED FOR US: VITAL SERVICES THAT NEED OUR SUPPORT
The JFM's Seniors' Transportation Initiative, financed largely by the Daniel Tallman Family Fund, seeks to ease stress for seniors in the community in their day-to-day lives and help them maintain their engagement with the community.
The JFM receives several grant applications for the Seniors' Transportation Grants each year. In recent years, however, requests have continued to increase as the burdens on these community members grow.
The most recent Seniors' Transportation Grants cycle saw increased requests from the organizations that typically apply and an application from one organization that had returned after several years.
"This is a need that we are seeing continue to grow with each granting cycle," explains John Diamond, CEO. "Unfortunately, the reality is that we only have a certain amount of available grants for this cause. The need grows, but the endowment has not grown with it."
After reviewing the applications, the grants committee recommended a distribution ratio based on the sizes of each request. Because of the increased need from the community, without the increase in available funds, each organization only received about half of their request for the following projects:
Gwen Secter Creating Living Centre
Their transportation program provides accessible door-to-door transportation to programs at the Centre, outings, and medical appointments.
Shalom Residences
Holistic support is provided for adults with intellectual disabilities living in Winnipeg. More than half of the residents they support are seniors and require specialized transportation to ensure they are experiencing life to the fullest.
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Transportation to programs for seniors, connecting older adults to ritual, educational, and cultural experiences that are impactful in reducing isolation and increasing socialization.
Jewish Child and Family Service
Three different programs that allow for independent travel for seniors regardless of economic status, improving social isolation and reducing reliance on caregivers.
Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre
Providing accessible and affordable transportation for outings and community events, ensuring that residents can take part in activities outside the Centre regardless of their financial situation.
Maintaining an active and engaged lifestyle is critical to a person's well-being, and these connections to the community provide that.
If you would like to contribute to the Seniors Transportation initiative, please visit www.jewishfoundation.org or contact Laurel Hogan, Donor Development Officer, at the Foundation office by telephone at 204.202.7438 or toll-free from the US/Canada at 1.855.284.1918 or by email at [email protected].