IVWF’S NURTURING COMMUNITIES OF CARE RECEIVES FUNDING FROM THE SCAN FOUNDATION
Four community collaborators ask for local support to better the lives of older adults
EL CENTRO, CA, February 15, 2024 — The Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation (IVWF) announced today that its project, Nurturing Communities of Care, was selected for funding by the SCAN Foundation, with co-funding from the California Health Care Foundation and Metta Fund.
Four Imperial Valley community collaborators will each be creating an Equity Community Organizing (ECO) group — or communities of care — that will consist of at least 50 percent older adults. Bombay Beach Community Services District, Calipatria Latin American Club, Northend Alliance 111 and Westmorland Community Food Pantry will each facilitate gatherings to learn about the wants, needs and barriers of older adults in their communities. Based on what they learn, the organizations will collaboratively plan intergenerational activities.
“The Wellness Foundation is grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with our northend communities in Imperial Valley,” said Roque Barros, chief executive officer of IVWF. “By working with the ECO groups, IVWF’s goal is to learn how we may better serve the older adults in our communities and to safeguard and elevate their care as they age.”
The joint project will promote inclusivity, strengthen community bonds, and ensure aging is characterized by care, connection, and a sense of belonging for all.
“As one of the ECO groups chosen by IVWF, we are honored to take part in building communities of care,” said Angie Garcia, president of the Calipatria Latin Americans Club. “We will work to better understand the needs of our senior community members in order to develop strong, supportive relationships and connect them to services, programs and activities to enrich their lives.”
Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity formed to advance the health and wellness of vulnerable populations in Imperial County. With a mission of Making Imperial Valley a Better Place to Live for ALL, IVWF serves as the valley’s rural development hub, facilitating connections and mobilizing resources for the underinvested communities of the region. Visit www.ivwf.org for more information.
The SCAN Foundation is an independent public charity dedicated to creating a society where older adults can access health and supportive services of their choosing to meet their needs. Its mission is to advance a coordinated and easily navigated system of high-quality services for older adults that preserve dignity and independence. Visit https://www.thescanfoundation.org/ for more information.
