The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation (RCWJRF) announced a partnership last week with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York (HFWCNY) along with a $2 million grant to each organization to endow a new staff position focused on developing and funding programs and initiatives that support caregivers for older adults.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation (RCWJRF) announced a partnership last week with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York (HFWCNY) along with a $2 million grant to each organization to endow a new staff position focused on developing and funding programs and initiatives that support caregivers for older adults.
The need for resources supporting both family and professional caregivers continues to grow as the regions’ population of older adults increases substantially over the next decade.
“Being a caregiver can be both rewarding and challenging, and a role that many in our communities will find themselves in at some point in their life,” Amber Slichta, vice president of programs, RCWJRF said. “There have been unprecedented technological and societal advances since the time today’s seniors were children and we have an incredible opportunity to collaborate with our partners to develop and uncover innovative programs and new systems that can support our caregivers and improve the quality of life for all in our communities.”
This unique philanthropic partnership between the three grantmakers establishes endowment funds within the Health Fund and HFWCNY to support a new program officer position within each organization dedicated to implementing strategies that support caregivers, while also advising RCWJRF on the same.
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund recently hired Tim Niyonsenga for the newly created role of program officer for caregiving.
“The Health Fund’s partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Health Foundation for Western & Central New York represents a growing understanding that caregivers are instrumental to older adults’ health and wellness,” Kari Sederburg, senior program officer, Michigan Health Endowment Fund said. “We’re thrilled to welcome Tim and incorporate this focus area into our Healthy Aging work, and to support organizations leading this charge not only for Michigan but for the entire country.”
