2024 Impact Report

2024 Impact Report We support and enhance the quality of life of vulnerable and underserved older adults residing in Philadelphia County.

From the Executive Director Dear Friends, As we close another impactful year at The Sarah Ralston Foundation, I am filled with both gratitude and excitement. This year has been a remarkable journey of growth and change, one that strengthens our commitment to serving vulnerable, underserved older adults across Philadelphia.

2024 marked the completion of two highly successful grant cycles, where we continued to support some of our grantee partners and welcomed new organizations into our community. These partnerships allowed us to champion innovative projects that address critical issues, such as housing stability, healthcare access, digital literacy, and caregiver support. Together, these efforts have directly improved the lives of older adults, empowering them to thrive in the face of life’s challenges.

This year, we also celebrate the transition to a new chapter of leadership. After many years of dedicated service, I will be retiring as Executive Director. It has been an honor to work alongside such inspiring partners, supporters, and colleagues. As I step into this new phase, I am thrilled to welcome Heather Finnegan, who will bring her passion and expertise to lead the Foundation into the future.

Some highlights from this year include: Welcoming New Partners: Innovative grantees like Depaul USA, Philly House, and SEAMAAC have brought fresh perspectives and groundbreaking approaches to supporting older adults.

Strengthening Continuing Partnerships: Continued support for organizations such as ARTZ Philadelphia, Center in the Park, and SeniorLAW Center reflects our belief in the enduring impact of trusted collaborations.

Driving Change Through Advocacy: This year, our "Advocacy in Action" event, hosted in partnership with the Foundation for Health Equity, underscored the importance of collaboration and dialogue in advancing the needs of older adults.

Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to uplifting older adults in Philadelphia through flexible funding, strategic support, and a shared vision of resilience. The future is bright, and I am confident that, together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of those served by our nonprofit partners.

Thank you for your ongoing support of The Sarah Ralston Foundation.

Your dedication makes our work possible, and I am deeply grateful for your belief in our mission.

With gratitude and warm regards, Lynette Killen Executive Director Sarah Ralston Foundation

Meet Heather Finnegan The Sarah Ralston Foundation will welcome Heather Finnegan as its new Executive Director, effective December 16, 2024. Heather brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership and a deep commitment to supporting older adults in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Her extensive background, particularly in guiding organizations through strategic transformations, makes her uniquely suited to lead SRF as it continues its evolution from a service provider to a grantmaking entity.

Heather joins SRF following a distinguished tenure at The Community’s Foundation (TCF), where she served as President and CEO. Under her leadership, TCF underwent significant transformation, including rebranding, mission realignment, and geographic expansion. Key achievements included a 115% increase in grant distributions, a 486% growth in gross contributions, and the launch of initiatives centered on trust-based philanthropy and participatory grantmaking. These accomplishments reflect Heather’s ability to lead with vision, adaptability, and a focus on strategic goals and community impact.

Heather’s deep commitment to Aging Services aligns seamlessly with SRF’s mission. At TCF, she prioritized senior services in grantmaking, driven by the foundation’s legacy as a former hospital and hospice operator. Her advocacy extended to addressing challenges faced by underserved communities, including older adults navigating health declines, language barriers, and caregiving responsibilities in the wake of the opioid epidemic.

Heather also brings extensive experience in financial management, donor relations, and operational oversight. Her achievements in increasing volunteer engagement, expanding fund offerings, and launching diversity and equity initiatives underscore her commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive nonprofit sector.

Reflecting on her new role, Heather shared her enthusiasm: “The Sarah Ralston Foundation’s commitment to supporting Older Adults deeply resonates with me. As the U.S. experiences unprecedented growth in its aging population, SRF’s focus on this sector is more important than ever. I look forward to working with our partners to foster meaningful, community-driven change.”

The Foundation is excited about the innovative energy Heather brings to this pivotal role. Her leadership promises to advance SRF’s mission, strengthening its role as a vital resource for organizations serving vulnerable, underserved older adults in Philadelphia.

2024 Grant Overview In 2024, the Sarah Ralston Foundation continued its mission of supporting organizations dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable and underserved older adults across Philadelphia. This year, we awarded funding in three categories: 1. General Operating Support Grants: Awarded during the Spring Grant Cycle, these grants provide critical funding to sustain the day-to-day operations of organizations delivering essential services to older adults.

2. Innovative Project Support Grants: Awarded during the Fall Grant Cycle, these grants empower nonprofits to develop creative, community-driven solutions to emerging challenges in Aging Services.

3. Multi-Year Innovative Project Support Grants: Provide continued funding for innovative projects that began in 2023, ensuring these initiatives achieve their full potential through sustained support.

By the Numbers: Total Number of Grantees: 46 Total Funding Awarded: $2,516,139

Total Number of Grantees: Multi-Year Grantees 16.9%

General Operating Support Grantees 49.2%

Innovative Project Support Grantees 33.9%

Total Dollar Amount by Grant Category: 2023 Mulit-Year Grantees 28%

2024 General Operating Grantees 29.9%

2024 Innovative Project Support Grantees 42.1%

Our Focus Areas Focus Area: Access to Affordable, Equitable, and High-Quality Care The Challenge Many older adults face barriers to accessing quality healthcare due to rising costs, systemic inequities, and limited mobility. Vulnerable populations—including LGBTQ+ individuals, those with chronic illnesses, and lowincome communities—experience even greater challenges in obtaining essential care.

How Our Grantees Are Making a Difference These programs are breaking down barriers to care, enabling seniors to live healthier, more independent lives while addressing the unique needs of marginalized populations.

Multi-Year Support Grantees Abramson Senior Care: Provides comprehensive care services and support for older adults, ensuring health and dignity in aging.

Health Federation of Philadelphia: Strengthens public health systems and access to healthcare for underserved populations.

Inglis: Supports individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses with high-quality care and accessible housing.

Intercommunity Action: Enhances physical and mental well-being for older adults through holistic community-based programs.

Lutheran Settlement House: Delivers essential services for vulnerable seniors, including health advocacy and support.

General Operating Support Grantees CARIE: Advocates for the well-being and autonomy of older Philadelphians, ensuring access to essential healthcare services.

Generations Online: Improves digital literacy among older adults, reducing barriers to accessing telehealth and other online health resources.

Morivivi Latino Cancer Support Group: Provides culturally responsive support for Latinas diagnosed with breast cancer.

New Life United Brethren in Christ Church: Supports underserved populations through faith-based health initiatives.

Northwest Community Court Program: Helps individuals reentering society access healthcare and other essential services.

Philadelphia Aging People in Prison (PAPIP): Advocates for aging individuals in prison, addressing their unique healthcare needs.

UUH Outreach Program: Ensures access to health resources for older adults striving to maintain independence. (continued)

Innovative Project Support Grantees Episcopal Community Services (ECS): Combines chronic disease management with nutritional education for older adults in underserved neighborhoods.

Mazzoni Center: Provides proactive healthcare management for LGBTQ+ seniors with chronic conditions through Remote Patient Monitoring.

Saint Joseph’s University: Offers geriatric training and exercise programs that improve health outcomes for underserved elderly adults.

VisionLink: Enhances caregiver education to improve health outcomes for visually impaired seniors.

Focus Area: Food Insecurity The Challenge Food insecurity is a pressing issue for many older adults in Philadelphia. Limited income, physical constraints, and lack of access to fresh food often prevent seniors from maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.

How Our Grantees Are Making a Difference These grantees are addressing food insecurity, ensuring seniors have access to nutritious meals while fostering better health and well-being.

Multi-Year Support Grantees Feast of Justice: Provides comprehensive food support programs that address immediate needs while fostering long-term community stability.

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA): Delivers critical meal services and nutritional support to older adults across the city.

General Operating Support Grantees Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels: Delivers fresh, nutritious meals and warm greetings to homebound seniors.

Face to Face: Meets immediate nutritional needs while addressing long-term food insecurity with wraparound support services.

Northwest Mutual Aid Collective: Provides nutritious food to low-income seniors, cancer patients, and disabled individuals.

Innovative Project Support Grantees Caring for Friends: Expands food access programs through community freezers and meal distribution hubs for seniors, veterans, and underserved individuals.

Focus Area: Behavioral and Mental Health Issues The Challenge Mental health challenges among older adults, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, often go unaddressed. Social isolation, chronic illnesses, and major life transitions can exacerbate these issues, leaving many seniors without the support they need.

How Our Grantees Are Making a Difference By addressing mental health alongside physical health and social needs, these programs are improving quality of life and reducing stigma for older adults.

Multi-Year Support Grantees Council for Relationships: Provides high-quality mental health counseling and training programs, supporting older adults and their families in managing emotional well-being.

Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS): Offers culturally sensitive behavioral health services, empowering seniors to navigate challenges and improve their quality of life.

Focus Area: Caregiver Support The Challenge Family members and significant others who serve as primary caregivers for older adults often face burnout and emotional stress. Many struggle to balance caregiving with other responsibilities while lacking adequate training or resources.

How Our Grantees Are Making a Difference These initiatives are strengthening caregivers by providing them with the tools, education, and emotional support necessary to thrive alongside their loved ones.

General Operating Support Grantees Urban Affairs Coalition – Grand Central: Supports grandparents raising grandchildren through socialization and targeted services, addressing the unique challenges of kinship caregiving.

Innovative Project Support Grantees Paraprofessional Training Institute (PTI): Educates caregivers and community members in foundational care skills, providing essential tools to support loved ones at home.

Widener University: Offers specialized workshops and intergenerational activities to equip kinship caregivers—primarily grandmothers—with the skills and support needed to thrive.

Focus Area: Care Coordination The Challenge For older adults navigating complex health conditions, effective care coordination is essential to ensure their needs are met holistically. Fragmented systems and a lack of resources often leave seniors and their families struggling to manage care.

How Our Grantees Are Making a Difference By creating a seamless system of support, these programs help seniors and their families navigate healthcare with greater ease and effectiveness.

Multi-Year Support Grantees Penn Memory Center: Provides comprehensive care coordination for older adults with cognitive impairments, connecting them with resources to manage their health and improve quality of life.

Focus Area: Homelessness The Challenge Older adults experiencing homelessness face unique vulnerabilities, including heightened health risks, social isolation, and barriers to accessing critical resources. Comprehensive support is essential to helping seniors transition out of homelessness and rebuild their lives.

How Our Grantees Are Making a Difference These grantees are helping seniors transition from homelessness to stability, fostering dignity and hope for a brighter future.

General Operating Support Grantees Broad Street Love: Provides essential resources and compassionate support for older adults facing homelessness, helping them stabilize and regain independence.

Innovative Project Support Grantees Depaul USA: Uses mindfulness and horticulture therapy to promote well-being and reduce isolation for seniors in permanent supportive housing.

Pathways to Housing PA: Leverages smart technologies to help medically fragile seniors retain stable housing and improve their quality of life.

Philly House: Supports older men transitioning from homelessness to stability through its Senior Level Housing Program, offering a safe and structured environment.

Focus Area: Housing The Challenge For many older adults, stable housing is the foundation of a secure and dignified life. Rising costs, aging homes, and limited resources often create barriers to maintaining safe, livable housing.

How Our Grantees Are Making a Difference By improving housing security and stability, these programs are creating safer, more accessible living environments for older adults.

General Operating Support Grantees Let’s See if We Can Help, Inc.: Provides financial literacy education and estate planning guidance to help seniors secure their housing and assets.

Love, Pray Peace Project: Supports seniors and veterans with compassionate-centered living communities and transitional housing programs.

Northern Living Center: Offers a welcoming space for seniors to engage in social and wellness programs, reducing isolation and maintaining stable housing.

Philadelphia VIP: Advocates for low-income seniors through legal services, helping to resolve housingrelated challenges such as tangled titles and deed fraud.

Rebuilding Together Philadelphia: Repairs homes to improve safety, accessibility, and overall livability for older adults.

Urban Resources and Development Corporation: Stabilizes neighborhoods by repairing homes for seniors and low-income residents.

Innovative Project Support Grantees Affordable Housing Centers of Pennsylvania: Equips seniors with estate planning tools to preserve generational wealth and prevent financial exploitation.

Overbrook West Neighbors: Helps seniors age in place safely through essential home repairs and legacy planning.

SeniorLAW Center: Protects homeownership for low-income seniors by addressing tangled titles, deed fraud, and mortgage issues.

Focus Area: Loneliness and Social Isolation The Challenge Loneliness and social isolation among older adults are pervasive issues, contributing to physical and mental health challenges such as depression, cognitive decline, and even premature mortality. Rebuilding connections is essential to fostering resilience and well-being in later life.

How Our Grantees Are Making a Difference By building supportive networks and fostering connections, these programs are transforming loneliness into community and resilience for older adults.

General Operating Support Grantees Center in the Park: Provides a vibrant community space for seniors to engage in wellness and social programs.

Connectedly: Reduces social isolation through peer phone-based support groups that foster meaningful relationships.

Kith’s Integrated Services: Offers culturally sensitive programs to connect older adults with resources and social activities.

KleinLife: Builds a connected, multicultural community where seniors can share experiences and form lasting bonds.

Masjid Al-Wasatiyah: Creates a welcoming environment for older Muslim Americans to build connections and community.

Penn’s Village: Organizes programs and services that connect older adults with neighbors and resources, reducing isolation.

Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation: Provides health and social services that support connection among the Asian American community.

StudentsCare: Pairs undergraduate students with isolated seniors to provide companionship and enhance quality of life.

The Center - Philadelphia: Provides a safe space for community engagement, inspiring connections and reducing isolation.

Innovative Project Support Grantees ARTZ Philadelphia: Uses arts-based programs to foster creativity and connection among seniors and caregivers.

African Family Health Organization (AFAHO): Provides culturally responsive support systems and intergenerational activities to reduce isolation among African and Caribbean elders.

Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC): Empowers low-income AAPI seniors through digital literacy and community-building programs.

SEAMAAC: Combines digital literacy with cultural storytelling to reduce isolation among AAPI elders.

William Way Community Center: Supports emotional wellness and connection for LGBTQ+ seniors through its Thrivers Program.

Beyond Our Funding Cycles: Supporting Our Community Through Convenings and Collaboration At the Sarah Ralston Foundation, our commitment to serving vulnerable older adults in Philadelphia goes beyond funding. We aim to create opportunities for education, collaboration, and networking that strengthen the nonprofit community as well as the broader community of organizations, caregivers, and other stakeholders.

Through targeted convenings and partnerships, we help address pressing issues, foster innovation, and build relationships that lead to lasting change.

In June 2024, we partnered with the Foundation for Health Equity to host Supporting Older Adults: A Conversation for Nonprofit Agencies.

This convening provided a platform for nonprofit leaders to discuss Pennsylvania’s Aging Our Way 10-year plan and share strategies to support older adults. By bringing our nonprofit partners together, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges and reinforced our role as a hub for ideas and solutions that improve the lives of older adults.

In October, we joined forces with Penn Medicine, Penn’s Village, and St. Joseph’s University to present Loneliness and Social Isolation: Identifying, Understanding, and Addressing the Issue at the PCA Annual Regional Conference on Aging. This session explored the behavioral, emotional, and physical impacts of loneliness and social isolation on older adults, offering innovative solutions through clinical research, community-based “village” programs, and occupational therapy interventions. The event fostered an engaging dialogue among participants and demonstrated the power of crosssector collaboration in addressing complex issues.

Also in October, we partnered again with the Foundation for Health Equity for Advocacy in Action: Empowering Nonprofits to Champion Older Adults, an interactive convening for nonprofit leaders focused on strengthening advocacy efforts. This event underscored the critical role of advocacy in addressing systemic challenges and highlighted strategies for mobilizing resources and effecting policy change. Participants expressed enthusiasm for future sessions and shared innovative ideas that will help shape the work of nonprofits serving older adults in Philadelphia.

These events exemplify our dedication to fostering relationships, innovation, and collaboration across the nonprofit sector. By stepping outside our funding cycles to create spaces for connection and learning, we deepen the collective impact of organizations working to uplift vulnerable populations. The Sarah Ralston Foundation is proud to continue this work, strengthening the network of support for older adults and the nonprofit community that serves them.

Thank You As we reflect on the past year, we are profoundly grateful to our supportive community, dedicated partners, and exceptional staff whose passion and commitment have helped us fulfill our mission. Together, we continue to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable and underserved older adults in Philadelphia.

We also extend our deepest appreciation to our Board of Directors. Their leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in guiding the Sarah Ralston Foundation’s work and expanding our impact.

Board of Directors Officers President: Benjamin T. Hoyle, MGA Vice President: Jerry C. Johnson, MD Secretary: Therese DeVries Narzikul, MBA, MSN, CRNP Treasurer: Larry Daniels, MBA Outgoing 2024 Members Randall Braunfeld Anne Callan U. Tara Hayden Members: Alexis Ahiagbe Margie DuBrow David Nagel, Esq. Michael J. Wassil, CPA Justin Williams Incoming 2025 Members: Sarina Chernock, MPA Alison Corter Jordan Muse, MPH

Join us in supporting our mission to support and enhance the quality of life of vulnerable and underserved older adults residing in Philadelphia County. Stay informed about the challenges and opportunities facing older adults in Philadelphia. Together, we can create a more equitable and compassionate future for our senior community.

123 S. Broad Street, Suite 2245 Philadelphia, PA 19109

(215)386-2984

www.sarahralstonfoundation.org