For vulnerable seniors living alone, daily welfare calls may save lives in critical situations -- and, even more often, provide important social support.

  

Through two grants, The Jim Moran Foundation helps fund the Sunshine Telephone Reassurance Program at 2-1-1 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast and the Senior Touchline Program at 2-1-1 Broward. Both organizations are improving the quality of life for hundreds of isolated, elderly residents with free "check-in" calls by caring volunteers and staff at designated times each day. Referral services and assistance are also offered whenever needed.

 

Quarterly brunches offer 2-1-1 Broward clients, volunteers and staff a chance to connect in person. Pictured from left to right: Gail Battle, volunteer; Vivienne Wilson, client; and Melinda Pollard, volunteer services coordinator.

A 2-1-1 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast volunteer recently called her client, Mrs. P, at their scheduled time. When no one answered, several more attempts were made over the next hour. Still unable to reach her, the volunteer called Mrs. P's emergency back-up, a neighbor who has a key to her home. Mrs. P was found in her bathtub where she had fallen the night previously. Paramedics were immediately called. Fortunately, she was not seriously injured. Soon after the incident, Mrs. P expressed gratitude to 2-1-1 -- adding that when the phone rang, she knew help would be on the way.

  

Receiving a phone call is significant for seniors who may not have interaction with anyone else that day. One of 2-1-1 Broward's clients recently commented, "I feel that someone cares about me. I find that when they call, they really care that I am all right." Another summed up the program's value by simply saying, "I feel that I am not alone."

  

  

After delivering successful outcomes at three Jacksonville-area hospitals, the United Way of Northeast Florida partnered with The Jim Moran Foundation to expand its Transitional Care Management Program into St. Vincent's Medical Center.

  

With a goal of improving patient well-being and reducing hospital readmissions, this newly-funded grant provides an Elder Care Advocate to ensure seniors leaving the hospital have the necessary support and resources to recuperate safely and comfortably at home.

An 87-year old woman was recently hospitalized with fractured ribs from a fall. Prior to discharge, the Elder Care Advocate met with her and learned that she was anxious about accomplishing daily activities and recovering at home alone while her son was at work. Through this program, the United Way provided meal delivery and housekeeping to aid in her wellness and sense of security. She was also connected with the local senior center's companion program.

  

Since launching at St. Vincent's two months ago, more than 50 patients have received assistance. The United Way expects to reach an additional 500 seniors this year.

  

  

Through a new grant from The Jim Moran Foundation to help stabilize homeless seniors, the Taskforce hired a full-time Geriatric Outreach Worker and collaborated with another local nonprofit, HOPE South Florida, to open a furnished, two-bedroom house for temporary shelter. Seniors can stay from one day to one week while they receive specialized support and referrals for longer-term housing.

  

In 2014, the Taskforce plans to shelter 100 elderly individuals in the home, as well as offer enhanced services including transportation, referrals to housing opportunities, applying for benefits, and linkages to other resources for an additional two hundred seniors in need.

  

 

The Foundation awards grants throughout the year. Review our 2013 and 2014 partnerships on our website.

 
To apply for funding, read The Foundation's Grant Making Guidelines and submit a Letter of Inquiry here.

 

Founded by automotive pioneer Jim Moran, the mission of The Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. The Foundation has invested more than $45 million in education, elder care, family strengthening, after school and youth transitional living initiatives since its inception in 2000 -- with efforts currently focused in Broward, Palm Beach and Duval counties. Through a long-term Grant Agreement, The Foundation's significant funders are JM Family Enterprises, Inc., and its subsidiaries, including Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC.

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