Wellness Foundation’s receives funding from the SCAN Foundation
EL CENTRO – The Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation announced on Tuesday, April 9, that its Nurturing Communities of Care project was selected for funding by the SCAN Foundation, with co-funding from the California Health Care Foundation and Metta Fund.
Four (4) Imperial Valley community collaborators will each be creating an Equity Community Organizing group – or communities of care – which will consist of at least 50% older adults, according to a press release from the Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation (IVWF). Bombay Beach Community Services District, the Calipatria Latin American Club, Northend Alliance 111 and the Westmorland Community Food Pantry will each facilitate gatherings to learn about the wants, needs and barriers of older adults in their communities, respectively.
“Based on what they learn, the organizations will collaboratively plan intergenerational activities,” the release reads.
“The Wellness Foundation is grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with our Northend communities in Imperial Valley,” said Roque Barros, IVWF CEO. “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,” the release reads.
“As one of the ECO groups chosen by IVWF, we are honored to take part in building communities of care,” Angie Garcia, president of the Calipatria Latin Americans Club, said.
“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,” she said.
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, the release reads. Visit www.ivwf.org for more information.