The Sarah Ralston Foundation

Exciting News from the Sarah Ralston Foundation! We’re thrilled to announce that Heather Finnegan has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Sarah Ralston Foundation! With a deep passion for Aging Services and a proven track record of strategic leadership in philanthropy, Heather brings the experience and vision needed to advance our mission of supporting older adults in Philadelphia. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Lynette Killen, whose leadership helped shape SRF’s work and strengthen its impact. Learn more about Heather’s journey, her approach to trust-based philanthropy, and her vision for the future of SRF in our latest article: https://lnkd.in/emH_R_mm Join us in welcoming Heather and celebrating this exciting new chapter for SRF!

Honoring Service and Welcoming New Leadership The Sarah Ralston Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated leaders who share a deep passion for supporting older adults. Each member brings unique expertise and a commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change in Philadelphia. This year, we bid farewell to three remarkable board members: Randall Braunfeld, Anne Callan, and U. Tara Hayden. Their leadership and dedication have shaped the foundation’s direction and left a lasting legacy. While Randall steps down from the board, we are thrilled he will continue as a “community member,” supporting the Finance Committee. We also warmly welcome three new board members: Sarina Chernock, Alison Corter, and Jordan Muse, who bring fresh perspectives and a shared vision for empowering older adults. Their expertise in nonprofit leadership, strategic initiatives, and community partnerships will help drive the foundation’s mission forward. We extend our deepest gratitude to our departing members and look forward to the impact our new members will make. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable community for older adults in Philadelphia. Learn more about the Sarah Ralston Foundation Board of Directors: https://lnkd.in/e7e6dxEk

2024 Innovative Project Support Grantees Announced by the Sarah Ralston Foundation The Sarah Ralston Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Innovative Project Support Grants, a diverse group of nonprofit organizations committed to addressing the most pressing needs of vulnerable, underserved older adults across Philadelphia. These projects span a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, housing, digital literacy, and community engagement, with a focus on empowering this population and fostering resilience. In Philadelphia, approximately 12% of residents aged 65 and older live below the poverty line, significantly limiting access to healthcare, housing, and nutritious food. Social isolation affects 43% of older adults nationwide, increasing the risk of premature mortality by 26%. These challenges highlight the critical importance of supporting innovative programs that empower older adults and address the unique barriers they face. Since our inaugural grant cycle in the spring of 2023, we have funded over 50 nonprofits throughout Philadelphia, directly impacting the lives of thousands of older Philadelphians. The Sarah Ralston Foundation focuses its grantmaking on issues that disproportionately affect vulnerable older adults, including access to care, housing stability, and social connectedness. By funding innovative and proven solutions, the Foundation ensures that its resources drive meaningful change for underserved populations. This year, the Foundation is excited to welcome new grantees who are pushing the boundaries of innovation, alongside partners whose continued dedication strengthens the fabric of our local communities. Lynette Killen, Executive Director of the Sarah Ralston Foundation, shared, "We are thrilled to support these impactful initiatives, which directly address the challenges faced by our community’s most vulnerable, underserved older adults. From healthcare access to housing stability, these grants represent our commitment to empowering older adults with the tools and support they need to thrive." Read more about our Innovative Project Support Grantees: https://lnkd.in/ed_HJgEp

Check out The Sarah Ralston Foundation November Newsletter! You'll find information about retiring Executive Director, Lynette Killen, a deep dive into our Nonprofit Partner, Mazzoni Center, and lots of resources and events, both virtual and in-person!

The Sarah Ralston Foundation Announces Retirement of Executive Director, Lynnette Killen The Sarah Ralston Foundation is both proud and bittersweet as we announce the upcoming retirement of our esteemed Executive Director, Lynette Killen, at the end of 2024. Lynette’s six years of devoted service have been marked by remarkable leadership, significant transitions, and steadfast advocacy for older adults. Join us in thanking Lynette for her unwavering dedication and wishing her joy in her upcoming chapter. Stay tuned for future updates on the announcement of the new Executive Director. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eWHx4jTZ

Recap: Loneliness and Social Isolation: Identifying, Understanding, and Addressing the Issue The Sarah Ralston Foundation, in partnership with experts from Penn Medicine, Penn’s Village, and St. Joseph’s University, hosted an engaging session at the PCA Annual Regional Conference on Aging. The discussion, titled "Loneliness and Social Isolation: Identifying, Understanding, and Addressing the Issue," brought together leaders in the field to explore how these challenges impact older adults and practical ways to address them. Nora Brier, PsyD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Penn Medicine, kicked off the session by presenting research on the behavioral and emotional impact of loneliness and social isolation. Dr. Brier explained how these issues not only affect mental health but also increase the risk of chronic physical conditions, including heart disease and dementia. She shared strategies for recognizing and mitigating loneliness in clinical settings, emphasizing the importance of proactive support. Jane Eleey, Executive Director of Penn’s Village, introduced the audience to the unique role of "villages" in fostering community connections for older adults. She highlighted the importance of volunteer-driven programs that offer transportation, companionship, and technology assistance, enabling seniors to age in place with dignity. Jane shared inspiring stories from Penn’s Village members, demonstrating the power of social connection in improving quality of life. Lynda Lemisch, OTD, OTR/L, Clinical Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at St. Joseph’s University, concluded the presentation by focusing on how occupational therapy plays a critical role in combating isolation. Dr. Lemisch shared practical interventions, from home modifications to creative arts programming, that help older adults remain engaged in their daily lives. She stressed the importance of understanding individual goals to create meaningful, person-centered interventions. The session wrapped up with a lively discussion, with participants sharing their experiences and ideas for future collaboration. The Sarah Ralston Foundation is grateful to PCA for the opportunity to facilitate this important conversation and looks forward to continued efforts in addressing loneliness and social isolation among older adults. For more information about The Sarah Ralston Foundation and our General Operating Support and Innovative Project Support grants, visit https://lnkd.in/ez8dThy6

Post-Event Summary: Advocacy in Action – October 22, 2024 On October 22, the Sarah Ralston Foundation (SRF) and the Foundation for Health Equity (F4HE) came together to host "Advocacy in Action: Empowering Nonprofits to Champion Older Adults" — a conversation for nonprofit leaders dedicated to supporting our elders. The event, held at Braid Mill in Philadelphia's Germantown, was born out of discussions from the previous convening, where attendees expressed the need for deeper conversations about advocacy. This enthusiasm shaped the theme of the session, which exceeded expectations with 30 engaged participants, the maximum capacity of the room. Bethany Flood, Executive Director of F4HE, highlighted the value of creating spaces for nonprofits to connect: “Advocacy thrives when organizations network, collaborate, and share ideas. This convening allowed us to foster these connections, helping nonprofits grow stronger together as they champion the needs of older adults.” David Griffith from Center in the Park (CIP) shared CIP’s innovative advocacy initiatives, emphasizing their commitment to centering members' voices. He described CIP’s engagement with city and state officials, advocacy efforts around the redevelopment of the Germantown YWCA, and participation in campaigns like the “Aging Our Way PA” planning process. His presentation underscored the importance of community-based participatory research and building strong partnerships to amplify advocacy impact. Karen Buck of SeniorLAW Center discussed the legal boundaries for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in advocacy, differentiating between issue education, lobbying, and political activity. She highlighted the organization’s work on guardianship reform, eviction prevention, and funding advocacy for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). Karen’s talk equipped attendees with practical strategies to remain compliant while making meaningful contributions to policy conversations. The diversity of participants—from organizations like Generations Online, Urban Resources and Development Corporation, Abramson Senior Care, African Family Health Organization, and the Health Federation of Philadelphia—fostered dynamic conversations throughout the event. Attendee Toby Dichter of Generations Online reflected, “In all my years of working with foundations, I’ve never seen this level of engagement and genuine interest in our work.” Tomiko Shine of Aging People in Prison Human Rights Campaign added, “We are each other’s resource, partner, collaborator, and change agents. Thank you for your intentional thoughtfulness and efforts on our behalf.” The event concluded with discussions on future topics, with participants expressing strong interest in sessions focused on fundraising, grant writing, and housing challenges. Both SRF and F4HE remain committed to supporting these evolving needs by continuing to convene meaningful conversations and empowering nonprofits in ways that matter most to them.

Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, marks Ageism Awareness Day, an important opportunity to bring attention to the often-overlooked issue of age discrimination. As a society, we frequently underestimate the value and contributions of older adults, which can lead to harmful stereotypes, exclusion, and missed opportunities for engagement. At the Sarah Ralston Foundation, supporting the well-being and dignity of older adults is central to our mission. In recognition of Ageism Awareness Day, we sat down with Lynette Killen, Executive Director of The Sarah Ralston Foundation, to discuss the challenges of ageism, the Foundation's efforts to combat it, and how we can work together to ensure that older adults are treated with respect and dignity. Read "Shining a Light on Ageism: Questions and Answers about Ageism Awareness Day with Lynette Killen" https://lnkd.in/eeFhaUfg

Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, marks Ageism Awareness Day, an important opportunity to bring attention to the often-overlooked issue of age discrimination. As a society, we frequently underestimate the value and contributions of older adults, which can lead to harmful stereotypes, exclusion, and missed opportunities for engagement. At the Sarah Ralston Foundation, supporting the well-being and dignity of older adults is central to our mission. In recognition of Ageism Awareness Day, we sat down with Lynette Killen, Executive Director of The Sarah Ralston Foundation, to discuss the challenges of ageism, the Foundation's efforts to combat it, and how we can work together to ensure that older adults are treated with respect and dignity. Read "Shining a Light on Ageism: Questions and Answers about Ageism Awareness Day with Lynette Killen" https://lnkd.in/eeFhaUfg

Stay Informed, Stay Connected! The Sarah Ralston Foundation invites you to join our bi-monthly newsletter community! Every other month, we share valuable insights on how we support and enhance the quality of life for vulnerable and underserved older adults residing in Philadelphia County. Our newsletter highlights the incredible work being done by local nonprofits, updates on our grants, upcoming events, and inspiring stories from the field. By subscribing, you’ll gain access to: * Spotlights on the impactful work of our nonprofit partners. * Event information and opportunities to engage with local initiatives. * Grant updates and success stories that show the power of philanthropy in action. Join our growing community and stay informed about the latest opportunities and stories that demonstrate how we’re working together to make a difference. Sign up today! https://lnkd.in/eEDa2RAi