The program will bring together teams of local organizations to create respite opportunities for family caregivers of older adults
BUFFALO, NY, September 6, 2022 – Exhale, the Family Caregiver Initiative, which funds innovative collaborative projects that are reimagining and increasing respite opportunities for family caregivers of older adults, announced today that 12 new grantees have been selected to kick-off its 2022 program. The grantees include Western New York’s Catholic Health Continuing Care Foundation, YMCA Buffalo Niagara, Cradle Beach, Inc., Healthy Alternatives Through Healings Arts (HAHA), Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, American Cancer Society, St. John’s Home Foundation, Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc., United Way of Orleans County along with Regents of the University of Michigan – Silver Club, Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels and Chelsea Senior Center, which are based in Washtenaw County, MI.
“We are thrilled to share that we have an incredible 12 grantees as part of this year’s program –not to mention over 58 partner organizations that have stepped up to offer their help and involvement in creating these opportunities for family caregivers and older adults,” said Amber Slichta, vice president, programs and learning, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “We first started this initiative with three grantees awarded in 2019, and already, this program has grown significantly in size and impact.”
Funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Health Foundation for Western & Central New York, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, and managed by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI), the 2022 Exhale initiative will involve a total of 58 partner organizations across Western New York and Washtenaw County, MI, who will work in teams led by the 12 grantees. Initiatives will include neighborhood respite centers, a “mystery trip” program, care support to improve healthy living with chore support, home modifications, mobile respite care and more, and are expected to launch by early 2023.
“Our 2022 program is off to an exciting start as we welcome a growing network of organizations working to support our caregiving communities,” said Ken Genewick, senior program officer for caregiving, Health Foundation for Western & Central New York. “We look forward to watching these initiatives come to life as they’re meant to create opportunities and innovative solutions to provide family caregivers with a sense of relief and continued comfort.”
In November 2021, Exhale held free virtual information sessions to provide individuals with an interactive overview of the program and its eligibility requirements, resulting in over 200 participants. Following the sessions, individuals participated in a series of virtual workshops and received free training in creative problem solving and project management, as well as a stipend of $500 to explore their projects for further funding.
“This program showcases communities’ – from Western New York to Washtenaw County, MI – enthusiasm to help those in the area, particularly older adults and caregivers,” said Chris Lemon, senior community investment officer, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. “Through both interactive trainings and funding, the participating organizations have had the opportunity to offer their creative problem solving and solutions, and we’re thrilled to see each initiative come together over the next few months.”
For more information on Exhale visit www.exhaleforcaregivers.org.
About Exhale
Funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Health Foundation for Western & Central New York, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, and managed by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI), Exhale, the Family Caregiver Initiative, is dedicated to offering innovative solutions that give caregivers an opportunity to breathe a little easier. Visit www.exhaleforcaregivers.org to learn more.
