Funding will help bridge gaps and expand social connection offerings for older adults
BULLHEAD CITY – Meals on Wheels-Bullhead City has announced that it has received $10,000 from Meals on Wheels America, the national leadership organization supporting community-based programs across the U.S. dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation, to help reduce social isolation and improve social connectedness in the Bullhead City Area.
Meals on Wheels-Bullhead City, was awarded a Meals on Wheels America Social Connection Grant to overcome key operational barriers that limit adoption or expansion of programs that address social isolation and loneliness and meet the diverse interests and needs of older adults, particularly those in underserved or unserved communities.
Kim Cool, Senior Services Program Manager for the City, stressed the importance of the grant and the need for social connection programs in our area.
“The money is being used to fund trainers for new programs we are introducing to the Senior Campus. One program is the already growing drumming circle. We already see the growing interest it brings and the need it serves among many individuals. Another program is The Virtual Dementia Tour TM, created by Second Wind Dreams. This program allows caregivers and family members a chance to walk in the shoes of their loved ones with dementia. Lastly, there will be upgrades to our arts program and added training for new employees who will be working directly with the activity programs at the Senior Campus,” stated Cool.
“One in three seniors reports feeling lonely, which has been shown to increase their risk of health complications and negatively impact their well-being,” said Ellie Hollander, Meals on Wheels America President and CEO. “For many Meals on Wheels clients, the volunteer delivering their meal is the only person they will see that day. Programs that foster social connection serve as an invaluable way to reduce isolation and loneliness. That’s why we’re proud to support local Meals on Wheels programs with these grants.”
In total, $319,800 in grants were awarded to 35 local Meals on Wheels programs as part of the Meals on Wheels America Social Connection grant program. Funding for the Meals on Wheels-Bullhead City grant was made possible by Caesars Foundation, a Meals on Wheels America national partner. Caesars Foundation is committed to helping older individuals live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives at every stage of the aging process.
To learn more about the Bullhead City Senior Campus’s efforts to address social isolation and loneliness in Bullhead City, visit https://www.bullheadcity.com/government/departments/human-services/senior-services or call (928) 763-0193.
