Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan today announced 21 grants through its philanthropic arm, the Point32Health Foundation. The grants will support community organizations in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative is grateful to have received a three-year general operating grant from the Foundation to continue convening, coordinating and supporting a statewide network of partners and support locally driven age- and dementia-friendly efforts. MHAC will also continue to support the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan and the state’s ReiMAgine Aging plan. MHAC will be fiscally sponsored by Third Sector New England.
These general operating grants support nonprofits that improve conditions for older adults and help build thriving, healthier communities for all ages.
Other grantees in Massachusetts include the following organizations:
Massachusetts
Aging Community Reintegration Initiative (Middlesex County, Massachusetts)
Support a first in-the-nation unit developed for incarcerated men aged 55+ to successfully transition back to the community. The initiative provides specialized and mandatory treatment programs focused on the specific needs of this aging population. It also provides training to officers and other staff in and out of the prison system to better support this group. The Initiative is a collaboration between Boston University’s Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office.
Alter Dementia (Boston, Massachusetts)
Leverage existing trust and structure within faith communities to strengthen community-based dementia education and care models. The program is run through the Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Massachusetts and plans to add at least four congregations over the next two years.
Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter (Greater Boston, Massachusetts)
Partner with diverse communities in Boston to deepen relationships and better serve and collaborate with communities and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (Statewide, Massachusetts)
Increase social connection, leadership abilities and reduce isolation for older people with Autism by supporting peer-led virtual support groups.
Berkshires Tomorrow Inc. (Berkshire County, Massachusetts)
Establish and support an Age Friendly Berkshires Advisory Board to create a “healthy aging in all things” toolkit for the entire region. Funding will also support a peer-led connections model for older adults who may be at risk of social isolation that builds trust, strengthens social connection and supports early identification of mental health needs. Berkshires Tomorrow Inc. is the non-profit arm of Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.
Just Roots (Franklin County, Massachusetts)
Advances food access, health systems and healthy aging initiatives through community-supported agriculture, food access programming and partnerships with healthcare providers and community-based organizations. Through collaborative Food Is Medicine efforts and community-driven approaches, Just Roots works to reduce barriers to healthy food access and support long-term positive health outcomes.
Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (Statewide, Massachusetts)
Support a statewide network of advocates promoting policy and systems change that address increasing rates of homelessness, especially among older people.
Senior Connection (Worcester County, Massachusetts)
Support the capacity of the BarberConnect Mobile Wellness Initiative, a mobile barber shop outreach model designed to improve access to health and economic benefits for older adults in rural Central Massachusetts.
Southcoast Food Policy Council (Southeastern, Massachusetts)
Connect and convene local food producers, consumers and community leaders to pursue policy and systems change that strengthens regional food systems, improves community health and eliminates food insecurity.
Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts (Worcester County, Massachusetts)
Expand culturally responsive healthy aging and advocacy initiatives that support older adults in building leadership skills, accessing resources and shaping policies that impact their communities.