Fremont Area Community Foundation hosted its annual Fall Donors Luncheon at the Shack in White Cloud on October 9. More than 60 people attended the luncheon and heard about the Community Foundation’s innovative partnerships to address social isolation among older adults.
The Community Foundation’s annual Spring and Fall Donors Luncheons bring together regular donors, fund advisors, trustees, Slautterback Legacy Society members, and Our Next 75 members to hear updates from the Community Foundation and learn more about grant-funded programs and local initiatives.
After a welcome from Shelly Kasprzycki, president and CEO, and time for lunch and conversation, the event focused on the social isolation prevention work undertaken by the Community Foundation’s Bridging Generations Fund and three other local programs. Maria Gonzalez, senior director, shared that these partnerships began with the results of a 2017 local survey that showed social isolation was a growing problem for older adults in Newaygo County.
She also shared an overview of two local programs partnering with the Bridging Generations Fund. Grandfriends—a collaboration between Wellspring Adult Day Services and Fremont Christian School—builds connections between older adults and middle school students. TrueNorth Community Services’ Community Connections programs offers older adults opportunities to socialize, learn, create, help, and have fun together.
Gonzalez then introduced Joni Morgan, from Catholic Charities West Michigan’s One Township at a Time (OTaaT) program. The program is currently running in 17 of Newaygo County’s 24 townships and brings people together for a variety of activities and events.
“Our mission is to eradicate loneliness among adults 55 and better,” said Morgan. “We’re not just hosting events, we’re bringing together neighbors.”
Each township chooses its own activities, which might include snacks and potlucks, music, cards and games, crafts, movies, and more. Groups also meet together for book clubs, field trips, and learning opportunities. While people are encouraged to attend events in their own township, they are welcomed at any OTaaT gathering.
“Your partnership makes such a difference,” Morgan told luncheon attendees. “You are helping create moments of laughter, friendship, and belonging. You’re not just helping fund a program, you’re helping people recover their joy.”
