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Partners In Care Earns Local and National Recognition
Two Grantors Support Effective Nonprofit Model
Partners In Care has been selected for the National Council on Aging’s (NCOA) Multigenerational & Civic Engagement (MGCE) initiative. The MGCE program is intended to strengthen valuable locally developed programs that hold promise to become national models. MGCE recognition includes a $30,000 grant for three years and support for AmeriCorps VISTA workers.
Partners In Care, a 501c3 community nonprofit, was founded to help older adults remain independent in their own homes. The MGCE grant values the organization’s innovative volunteer engagement strategies. The group has more than 2,600 volunteer members to help each other in a formalized program based on reciprocity. Using the service-exchange model, people contribute their time and skills to the ‘community pool’ to accomplish what needs to be done. Every person is asked to participate to become part of the solution. In this way, assets already in the community are identified and utilized, accomplishing more than in traditional models. People are empowered to remain independent. The model is being replicated in communities seeking to support their aging populations.
The MGCE grant recognizes the Ride Partners transportation program which provides rides for older adults, relieving stress on over-taxed families and caregivers.
The Marion Knott Foundation of Baltimore has awarded $50,000 to the Ride Partners program, which provides more than 100 rides per week to take people where they need to go. Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to drive to medical appointments, to pick up prescriptions and groceries, and to complete other tasks. Drivers pick up the person at their front door, drive them to the appointment, wait with them, then bring them safely home again, often stopping at a store or having lunch together. This kind, custom service contributes to the health of the community. In addition to receiving medical care, the rider enjoys a social interaction with a new person, and independence from always relying on their families. The driver meets a new person, enjoys a social exchange, and earns ‘credit in the bank’ for the time when he/she may need a hand.
The Knott Foundation grant will help to reimburse volunteer drivers for the expense of gas. Drivers can never be fully compensated for the time and attention they give to seniors who are comforted by having someone take them door-to-door for medical care, but partial fuel reimbursement will reduce their costs and recognize the importance of their service. The grant will enable many people, particularly those on fixed incomes, to continue this valuable volunteer activity.
Partners In Care Maryland, Inc. 2011
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