Senior Concerns in Thousand Oaks, a nonprofit that provides an adult day program for seniors with dementia and other special needs, recently was awarded a $150,000 grant from the Weingart Foundation. “One area of particular interest to the Weingart Foundation is older adults,” said Andrea Gallagher, president of Senior Concerns, which has received grant funding from the foundation in the past. “We are very delighted with this tremendous new grant.” The $150,000 came at a time when Senior Concerns is seeing an increased need for programs and services, Gallagher said. The money will help to maintain and sustain the nonprofit’s core services, particularly those for low-income seniors, she said. It also will allow Senior Concerns to add programs for growth in coming years, she said. Senior Concerns depends on support from foundations, corporate donors and individuals. As a result, the nonprofit seeks partners aligned with its mission, Gallagher said. The Weingart Foundation gives highest priority to activities that provide greater access to people who are economically disadvantaged and underserved, according to Belen Vargas, vice president of grant operations. The foundation is especially focused on applications that specifically address the needs of low-income children, older adults, the disabled and those affected by homelessness. Senior Concerns, founded in 1975, offers a range of services, programs and resources, including an Alzheimer’s day-care resource center, a senior advocate information and referral service, brain fitness programs, informational seminars and case management, Gallagher said. The organization hosts two annual fundraisers, the Love Run and the Ultimate Dining Experience. Additionally, Senior Concerns receives community support from more than 500 volunteers. “At Senior Concerns, we keep our daily fees low, and we offer scholarships to those who are unable to afford the program,” Gallagher said. “We turn nobody away.” The same holds true for the Meals on Wheels Program offered through Senior Concerns, which serves Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park every day except on Christmas. “Our program delivers freshly prepared, nutritious food,” Gallagher said. Without the generous support of foundations, corporations and individuals, Senior Concerns would not be able to provide the scope of services it offers, Gallagher said. “It is with the support of the community that we are able to give back and provide a safe place for seniors who are suffering with dementia and other debilitating diseases,” she said. “It is with the support of our community that we can provide respite for family caregivers.” When Senior Concerns was founded, it operated one program: Meals on Wheels. “With the tremendous support and partnership of our community,” Gallagher said, “we have been able to grow and meet the expanding needs of seniors and their families.” More …

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