Meals On Wheels Receives $600K Grant To Better Serve Contra Costa Seniors

News from Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services of Contra Costa County:

The Thomas J. Long Foundation announced that Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services (MOWSOS) has been awarded a $600,000 grant.

The “game changing” grant helps MOWSOS achieve long-term sustainability through capacity-building investments.
Over the next 15 years, Contra Costa County’s older adult population (age 60+) is projected to increase from 228,478 in 2015 to 347,248 in 2030--a 52% increase. And, nearly 40,000 will be considered low-income, needing additional supports such as food, counseling and fall prevention modifications in order to remain living independently at home. MOWSOS is the comprehensive support organization for seniors in Contra Costa County.

Says Elaine Clark, Chief Executive Officer of MOWSOS, “The Thomas J. Long Foundation grant will save lives as we expand capacity and serve more clients. This is a game-changing investment for the seniors living in our community. MOWSOS is more than a meal. The Foundation partnership validates our work and the seniors we serve.”

The SCAN Foundation has awarded a $45,000 grant to Rehabilitation Services of Northern California (RSNC) to work in partnership with Contra Costa’s Advisory Council on Aging (ACOA) and Meals on Wheels Senior Outreach Services (MOWSOS).

This grant will enable RSNC to continue working with the ACOA in a statewide movement to transform the system of care so that all Californians can age with dignity, choice and independence. The two-year grant will enable RSNC and the ACOA to bring on a new partner, MOWSOS, in this movement and see far greater impact in their ability to educate and activate our community.

The Foundation’s grant will specifically enable RSNC and MOWSOS to create a local policy platform to increase access to a system of coordinated long-term support services in Contra Costa, activate consumers to be advocates, and increase the participation in this statewide effort.

Clark of MOWSOS, said, “Collaboration is essential if we are going to meet the growing needs of the senior population. We are thrilled to be working with RSNC and the ACOA.”

• Also see:
• Donating To Charity Before Year-End? Consider Local Meals On Wheels
• Upcoming Shrimp Fest To Benefit Meals On Wheels of Contra Costa Co.