A key area of investment for AllOne Foundation & Charities has been the wellbeing of older adults, a population that is growing rapidly across Pennsylvania. This year, in partnership with Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich and numerous local organizations, AOF&C is supporting two major initiatives aimed at improving the lives of older Pennsylvanians.
The first initiative, Aging Together in PA, is a year-long multimedia collaboration between the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and public broadcasting stations WVIA and WITF. This campaign is designed to educate and engage older adults, caregivers, and the broader public on the challenges and opportunities of aging in Pennsylvania. The topics covered include ageism, elder justice and abuse prevention, caregiving, transportation, housing, and the development of age-friendly communities.
Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich praised the effort, stating: “Our respected partners in public broadcasting, whose mission it is to educate, inform, and inspire on the most meaningful issues touching our lives, are creating a platform to help transform Pennsylvania into a network of age-friendly communities. We are excited to collaborate with them to bring empowering programming that helps all of us converse, listen and learn about aging in Pennsylvania and envision what it can look like, if we work together.”
The second initiative is the launch of the Older Adult Advocacy Center, the first of its kind in Pennsylvania. Located at Telespond Senior Services in Scranton, the Center opened its doors on May 16th and provides emergency respite and short-term transitional housing for older adults experiencing abuse or neglect. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the Center connects victims with emotional support, legal services, resource navigation, and more.
Helen Schmid, President and CEO of Telespond Senior Services, shared her vision for the new Center: “It represents hope, dignity and community. Because of the vision and support of so many, the Older Adult Advocacy Center is not just a safe space, it’s a steppingstone for an older adult on their pathway to elder justice.”
Together, Aging Together in PA and the Older Adult Advocacy Center represent a $1.3 million investment from AllOne Foundation & Charities. CEO John W. Cosgrove expressed pride in the initiatives, stating: “These are highly collaborative and innovative projects that will significantly enhance the experience of aging in Northeast and North Central Pennsylvania. We are honored to be part of this important work.”
Pictured above: PA Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich addresses AllOne Foundation & Charities board members on the positive impact of their funding on older adults. Also pictured is President & CEO Carla McCabe, WVIA Public Media.
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