Stepping Up for Area Seniors
Posted 12/15/2016
(Manchester, NH) Area seniors in need will have access to a host of specialized programs from The Granite YMCA, thanks to a grant from the Pearl Manor Fund via the Mary & John Elliot Charitable Foundation. “Many seniors face a variety of challenges, both from a physical perspective and from social isolation,” said Nicholas S. Zaharias, Vice President, Mary & John Elliot Charitable Foundation. “The program we’re supporting at the YMCA will provide low or no-cost access to key programs which will support physical and emotional engagement for older adults.”
Administered via the Pearl Manor Fund, the $50,000 gift from the foundation continues a partnership between the two organizations which kicked off earlier this year. As part of the initial grant, The Granite YMCA provided a range of senior-centered programs at its branches and in the community setting. To date, the effort has served 140 individuals in programs such as Water Aerobics, Yoga, and Senior Fitness. Each feature a comprehensive pre and post program assessment and are supervised by trained and certified exercise specialists. In addition, nutrition education and a special educational program on slips and fall prevention are being offered.
“We’re very excited to continue this collaboration with the Pearl Manor Fund via the Mary & John Elliot Charitable Foundation,” said Leslee Stewart, Vice President of Development for The Granite YMCA. “The second grant will enable us to broaden the current effort and impact even more seniors going forward.”
The Granite YMCA provides a multi-faceted approach to health and wellness for older adults which consists of four key elements: the Y Boomerang Adventures Club which brings together active older adults for sport outings and adventure trips; Senior Adaptive Health and Wellness programs which enable individuals who are wheel chair bound or have limited mobility to engage in a variety of activities and sports; Intergenerational Programming that provides opportunities to engage in projects with local teens; and Expanded On-Site Services where YMCA professionals will provide programs and services at local senior centers and housing developments.
Additionally, senior-focused programs will be offered via the new Center for Youth and Teen Leadership and Senior Center at the YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown, which is expected to open in May of 2017.
Benefits of the program are many, according to Mr. Zaharias. “The goal of the fund has always been to address local health and wellness disparities and work with like-minded organizations to effect positive change. This program serves to empower and strengthen area seniors, helping them increase their capabilities and live more independently. We also can’t overlook the value of social interactions these programs will provide; this is critical to a healthy lifestyle for older Americans.”
Ms. Stewart added that the second phase of the program will serve over 500 people in greater Manchester. All programs will be provided at no cost for those who qualify or for a nominal fee.
For more information, please contact Leslee Stewart at the YMCA at 603.782.2805 or via email at lstewart@graniteymca.org. For more information about the annual Pearl Manor Fund grant process, please visit www.elliothospital.org/pearlmanorfund.
About the Mary & John Elliot Charitable Foundation:
The Mary & John Elliot Charitable Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization created to provide financial support to the various needs of the Elliot Health System (also a non-profit charitable organization). The Foundation is committed to building an ongoing circle of friends whose financial support will help Elliot Health System identify and meet emerging healthcare needs.
About The Granite YMCA:
As one of the state’s longest standing and most enduring non-profits, The Granite YMCA focuses on youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and family strengthening. Across the state, its six branches engage 30,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to improve their health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2016, The Granite YMCA provided financial assistance and free services valued at over $1.63 million to 19,872 individuals. To learn more, please visit www.graniteymca.org.
Photo caption: left to right: Nicholas S. Zaharias, Vice President of Development - Mary & John Elliot Charitable Foundation, Hal Jordan, President and CEO – The Granite YMCA, and Richard Rawlings, Chairman – Pearl Manor Fund Advisory Committee and Trustee of the Mary and John Elliot Charitable Foundation.
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