Eleven programs designed to improve the quality of life for older adults in York County are the newest recipients of grants from the York County Community Foundation’s (YCCF) Hahn Home Fund for Embracing Aging.
“We want older people in the community to have options for where and how they want to live,” explains Cathy Bollinger, Managing Director of Embracing Aging. “Embracing Aging awards grants to programs that help older people engage in the community, which increases their general well-being and sense of purpose. We want our grants to improve physical environments, resulting in increased accessibility and ease of mobility. We’re excited for this year’s recipients and look forward to seeing the impact their programs have on helping to make York County a great place to age!”
“Volunteers from the community read and score each grant application based on pre-determined criteria,” shares Timothy J. Bupp, Esq., Chair of the Embracing Aging Distribution Committee and YCCF Board Director. “These volunteers bring a wide array of expertise to the process. They ask insightful questions about each application to ensure the programs they recommend for funding have a positive impact on the people they serve. We’re extremely grateful to the group who serve on the Embracing Aging Distribution Committee.”
Embracing Aging Grants:
- $5,998.20 to Leg Up Farm for the program, Silver Saddles. The Silver Saddles Program provides equestrian and community-based activities to adults over 55 years, and this grant will expand that program to serve those who live in a York Area Housing Group residence.
- $3,500 to Strand Capital Performing Arts dba Appell Center for the Performing Arts to create film accessibility for the aging, hearing and visually impaired patrons. The Appell Center will install hearing assistance, descriptive audio and closed captioning equipment in the Capitol Theatre as part of its recent renovations.
- $20,000 to Normandie Ridge for a West Manchester Senior Trail and Nature Park. A Senior Life Trail Nature Park, proposed in West Manchester Township, will offer senior-friendly trails and recreation promoting wellness, physical activity, socialization, and educational experiences. The central location of the trail will provide access to other senior living facilities, as well as the new UPMC hospital.
- $20,000 to York County Food Bank for the Senior Food Box Program. This program aims to improve the health and nutrition of income eligible seniors. This grant will expand the senior box program to serve additional seniors and increase the distribution of healthy food items.
- $4,395 to September House for the September House Amateur Radio Station program. Seniors at September House will have the opportunity to participate in communicating around the world and beyond with the installation of equipment and training for an Amateur Radio Station.
- $6,000 to Theatre Arts for Everyone (TAFE) for the You Are NEVER Too Old to Act! Program. TAFE takes acting workshops into Senior Centers so participants can experience an art form that allows them to use their memories, imagination and observation skills.
- $10,000 to Golden Connections Community Center, Inc. for facility functionality enhancements. A designated exercise area and art studio will be created to help achieve wellness goals for more older adults in York County.
- $4,000 to Crispus Attucks Association for the Cultivation Healthy Living program. A year-round project designed to provide physical and mental therapy services for economically disadvantaged seniors through workshops and classes, the Cultivation Healthy Living program provides opportunities for intergenerational learning, creative expression, technology exploration and more.
- $5,000 to City of York-Bureau of Health for Age is Just a Number-Sexual Health and Vitality! Program. Through educational sessions, the City of York – Bureau of Health will dispel myths and engage, empower and reignite sexual health for older adults.
- $1,850 to Windy Hill Senior Center, Inc. for the Ageless Art program. Ageless Art is an inter-generational art program to promote social engagement, self-esteem and art appreciation for seniors and elementary students.
- $8,245 to Jessica & Friends Community for the Dragonfly Program-Healthy Today, Healthier Tomorrow. The Dragonfly Program provides support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and the community who are 50+ in the areas of health monitoring and health education for a healthier tomorrow.
YCCF’s Embracing Aging initiative strives to create a community that is a safe, welcoming, appropriate and adaptable place to age by improving attitudes around one’s own aging and senior adults to increase understanding and caring about the needs and perspectives of all ages. YCCF provides grants to increase high-quality and forward-thinking options to help seniors live as they choose in their community.
York County Community Foundation’s Hahn Home Fund supports Embracing Aging, which began with the vision of one woman, Anna Gardner, who died in 1913 and gifted her estate to help care for older women in the community. Over 100 years later, YCCF is carrying out her legacy.
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York County Community Foundation creates a vibrant York County by engaging donors, providing community leadership, and investing in high-impact initiatives while building endowment for future generations. York County Community Foundation holds more than 500 endowed funds and assists donors and nonprofits in reaching their charitable goals. The Community Foundation granted $5.3 million in 2017 throughout York County and stewards more than $150 million in assets.
