January 16, 2025 — 3:43 PM

Sarah Benson, the director of philanthropy for ElderHelp of San Diego updated the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund members at their most recent general meeting. She discussed the extensive range of services ElderHelp provides to help local seniors maintain their independence. ElderHelp was honored with the RSFWF’s Gayle Gillies Award for receiving the most membership support during the recent grant cycle.

Benson highlighted the recent grant of $35,000 awarded to ElderHelp in May 2024, which contributes significantly to their mission. In the spirit of the holiday season, the RSFWF also provided additional funds to support the organization’s Holiday Angel Gift Card Program, distributed to clients during the holidays, according to a news release.

Each year, ElderHelp of San Diego aims to assist 7,000 seniors and their family members, including 5,390 senior women who face challenges related to declining health, poverty, and isolation, helping them remain independent in their homes through seven core programs:1. Care Coordination: A case management program for nearly 200 seniors, offering in-home assistance that includes home safety inspections and modifications, grocery shopping, and companionship.2. Senior Food Pantry: Delivers fresh and healthy grocery items and personal care supplies at no cost to nearly 450 seniors each month.3. Housing Services: HomeShare, a longstanding roommate matching service, aids seniors in maintaining their housing. Additionally, ElderHelp offers resident service coordination at two low-income senior housing communities, serving approximately 300 residents daily and providing other supportive services.4. Seniors A Go Go: A transportation program providing rides to appointments and helping seniors stay engaged with their communities. Last year, more than 8,900 rides were provided.5. RUOK Calls: An initiative allowing daily check-ins with clients to ensure they receive adequate support and identify emerging needs. Over 7,000 calls are made each year.6. Family Caregiver Assistance Program: Offers specialized training to over 3,000 caregivers.7. Intake and Referral Services: Provides resources, information, and education to nearly 2,500 seniors and their families annually.

The Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund grant of $35,000 fully funded a comprehensive suite of services for 150 women this year, ensuring they receive the support they need to maintain their independence.

For Veronica [name changed for privacy], a visually-impaired senior living alone in North County San Diego, ElderHelp has become essential to maintaining her independence. The organization’s volunteers provide contactless grocery delivery, while her care coordinator (a staff social worker) recently helped secure her HUD housing renewal, preventing a potential housing crisis.

“ElderHelp is helping me remain in my own home,” said Veronica, who also receives assistance with healthcare paperwork and home safety improvements, in the news release. “I am grateful they are there for us seniors.”

The nonprofit continues to work with Veronica on her upcoming Medi-Cal renewal, ensuring she maintains access to vital healthcare services.

Through these programs, ElderHelp is committed to achieving the following outcomes: ensuring the highest level of care and support for its clients:- Fewer than 5% of clients will transition to long-term care.- At least 90% of clients will report feeling less isolated due to support from staff and volunteers, virtually and in person.- 100% of clients needing rides to mental health services will receive transportation to ensure they do not miss appointments.- 85% of seniors will not experience a fall.

“The goals and efficient administration of this organization are very attractive to our membership. As the Boomer population ages and the familial structure becomes geographically distant, it is clear that we all need to step up and support those trying to maintain independence and navigate the aid system. It was clear why Elderhelp overwhelmingly received the most votes for funding this past grant cycle, said Nikki Carmody Ream, RSFWF board chair and president, in the news release.

The Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund is a force for positive change in the San Diego community, harnessing the power of collective giving. Since its establishment in 2004, the RSFWF has donated over $5.7 million to 165 local nonprofit programs, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.

Beyond its philanthropic work, the Women’s Fund is a platform for women to connect, engage, and learn about important community issues. Members can attend events, network with other women, and contribute to the Fund’s mission.

The next Galentine ‘s-themed General Membership meeting is scheduled at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 11:30 a.m. The featured speaker will be Reynold Hoover, chief executive officer of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee. As CEO, Hoover will oversee the day-to-day operations of planning and executing the Games. He comes to LA28 with a wealth of experience from leadership positions in the U.S. military and senior roles in the federal government. He brings significant planning, operations, and logistics expertise to help deliver the world’s largest peacetime gathering – the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

For more information about becoming a member and attending this event, visit www.rsfwomensfund.org or email admin@rsfwomensfund.org.