Grantees

2022 Grants

Georgia Institute on Aging – Food Insecurity

I-Care – Transportation

Jewish Family & Career Services – Caregiver Respite Services

Open Hand Atlanta – Food Insecurity

Peachtree Christian Health – Adult Day Respite

SOWEGA Council on Aging – Respite at Alzheimer’s Outreach Center

2021 Grants – CVS HEALTH Social Isolation Grant

Thanks Mom & Dad Fund received a grant from CVS Health to address social isolation among older adults.  Read more here. A forum will be hosted in early 2022 to present findings and drill down on the effects of social isolation.  Grants were awarded to the following agencies to test interventions:

Forsyth County Senior Services

John W. Looper Jr. Speech and Hearing Clinic, Inc.

Mercy Care Rome

National Church Residences Foundation

Peachtree Christian Health, Inc.

Sage Navigator, Inc.

SOWEGA Council on Aging

Troup Council on Aging

University of North Georgia Research Foundation

2020 Grants – COVID Response

Early in the pandemic, Thanks Mom & Dad Fund swiftly responded to the most emergent needs for older adults who were at the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak.  PPEs were provided statewide and grants were made to quickly respond to the most urgent needs:

Atlanta Regional Commission – regionwide – Mental health calls and emergency needs were addressed by the Aging & Disability Resource Connection  (ADRC)

LeadingAge Georgia – statewide – Meals and food boxes were provided across the state to seniors who lost access to food when suddenly sheltered-in-place. and low-income housing facilities’ food pantries were restocked to assist older adults in quarantine.

PPEs  – statewide – were scarce during the initial lockdown phase. Thanks Mom & Dad Fund provided some initial relief delivering masks, gloves and sanitizers in the first months and by the end of the year distributed 1.4 Million PPEs.

2019-20 Grants

The Thanks Mom & Dad Fund Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the 2019-2020 grants to fill service gaps and provide emergency aid for older Georgians. The grants support basic needs such as food and home repairs, help grandparents raising grandchildren, and test innovative programs.

NEIGHBOR IN NEED--Atlanta Emergency home repairs for older adults in East Lake, Kirkwood, and Edgewood communities, in southeast Atlanta

CLIFTON SANCTUARY MINISTRIES–Atlanta  Provide basic healthcare items for older adults without homes

PROJECT HEALTHY GRANDPARENTS at Georgia State University–Atlanta Health and wellness services, transportation, and other services for grandparents raising grandchildren

HIGH MUSEUM–Atlanta Musing Together a free program for adults (ages 55+) living with memory loss and their care partners.

GEORGIA READING RADIO SERVICE–Statewide Technology for visually impaired seniors to access news and other reading service programming.

ATLANTA COMMUNITY FOOD BANK–Atlanta Nutrition classes for older adults

GOLDEN HARVEST FOOD BANK–Augusta Golden Harvest will provide a monthly box of supplemental groceries for 12 months to area older adults

HEALTHY GRANDPARENTS PROGRAM at Augusta University–Augusta Respite care for caregivers during summer months

JOHN W. LOOPER CENTER FOR SPEACH & HEARING–Dalton Financial assistance for speech, language, swallowing, and hearing services

I CARE, Inc.–Decatur Transportation services for older adults in DeKalb County

NEHEMIAH PROJECT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION–Fairburn Housing restoration/rehabilitation and transportation

2018-19 Grants

The Thanks Mom & Dad Fund Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the 2018-19 grants to fill service gaps and provide emergency aid for older Georgians. The grants support basic needs such as food and home repairs transportation, and music therapy.

  • Alchemy Sky Foundation: Grant for choir for adults living with Parkinson’s
  • A.G. Rhodes: Acquisition of a Bariatric Floor Lift
  • Decatur Cooperative Ministry, Inc.: Help seniors 55+ living in DeKalb County, GA avert homelessness
  • Dekalb for Seniors: Caregivers Resource Network program, which provide services to help care for senior caregivers.
  • Golden Harvest Food Bank: Senior Food Box Program
  • Georgia Health News: Reporting on Aging Issues
  • ITN Lanier: Scholarships for Transportation
  • Midtown Assistance Center: Homeless Prevention Program
  • Nehemiah Project: Senior Home Repair
  • Project Healthy Grandparents: Enhance the physical and emotional well-being of older adults who are raising their grandchildren
  • Sadie G. Mays Health & Rehabilitation Center: New Beds for Sadie G. Mays

 2017-18 Grants

The Thanks Mom & Dad Fund Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the 2017-18 grants to fill service gaps and provide emergency aid for vulnerable older Georgians. The grants will support needs ranging from transportation, music therapy, nutritional education, radio and reading services for the visually impaired, home health equipment, and transportation to medical appointments.

At a reception for donors, grantees, and trustees at the offices of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, the 2018 grants were awarded to five nonprofit organizations in addition to 56 recipients of Senior Innovation Grants through a partnership with the Department of Human Services. This map of all 2017-18 grant recipients demonstrates how many communities are serving vulnerable seniors as a result of donor, sponsor, and partner support:

  • Alchemy Sky Foundation for choral music therapy designed for Parkinson’s patients
  • Atlanta Community Food Bank for cooking and nutrition classes utilizing Commodity Supplemental Food Program boxes
  • Friends of Disabled Adult and Children for refurbished and distribution of health and safety equipment to senior citizens across the state
  • Georgia Radio Reading Services for specially adapted radios and phone minutes to access reading services
  • I Care, Inc. for transportation to medical appointments for senior citizens in DeKalb County

2016-17 Grants

The Thanks Mom & Dad Fund® Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the 2016-17 grants to fill service gaps and provide emergency aid for vulnerable older Georgians.  The grants will support needs ranging from technology, transportation, literacy, Alzheimer’s education, vision and health services, and more.

At a reception for donors, grantees and trustees at the offices of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, the 2017 grants were awarded to eleven nonprofit organizations:

  • A. G. Rhodes Health & Rehab for digital technology for patients and residents for improving human connections.
  • Alzheimer’s Association for the purchase of 400 books for use in the early-diagnosed program.
  • Clarkston Community Center for expanding education and literacy classes for senior refugees.
  • Clifton Sanctuary Ministries for providing foot care for homeless men in transition as part of the Health and Wellness Program.
  • Direct Services, Inc. to support the purchase of a new vehicle for home-delivered meals for seniors.
  • Guest House to provide meals, health care and social care supports for seniors.
  • ITN Lanier to work cooperatively with local agencies serving seniors such as the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to offer scholarships for transportation services (rides) for older adults.
  • National Church Residences Foundation to provide support for a new 12-passenger van to service seniors at Lakewood Christian Manor and Trinity Towers.
  • Newton County Senior Services for the “Remember Me” program for seniors delivering meals to homebound seniors in isolated areas.
  • Prevent Blindness Georgia to provide Vision Outreach services for seniors in DeKalb County.
  • Project Healthy Grandparents for in-home health services, including health monitoring and referrals for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

For more information, contact 404-410-6311 or visit www.thanksmomanddadfund.org

See photos of the event, please visit here

2015-16 Grants

The Thanks Mom & Dad Fund® Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the 2015-16 grants. The grants will support needs ranging from rent and utility assistance to special dietary meals to care for frail and homebound seniors, and more.

At a reception for donors, grantees and trustees at the offices of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, the 2015-16 grants were awarded to seven nonprofit organizations:

  • The CENTER FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED for educational sessions for seniors grappling with failing or limited vision to more fully enable them to better navigate the world around them.
  • CLARKSTON COMMUNITY CENTER for English literacy educational materials targeted to adult learners providing instruction in culturally specific linguistic traditions for senior refugees.
  • CLIFTON SANCTUARY MINISTRIES for special dietary meals for the growing number of homeless seniors at the shelter who are receiving counseling and case management and working toward self-sufficiency.
  • DECATUR COOPERATIVE MINISTRY for rent and utility assistance to avert housing crises and prevent homelessness for low income seniors in the Seniors Take Charge program.
  • GOLDEN HARVEST FOOD BANK in Augusta to provide the Senior Food Box program to improve the nutritional status of home-delivered meal recipients.
  • SENIOR SERVICES NORTH FULTON to provide client families with self-directed respite options through the caregiver respite voucher program allowing formal caregivers to step in for an hour or two to provide families the much needed time away from the intensity of caregiving.
  • SENIOR CITIZENS COUNCIL FOR GREATER AUGUSTA for the expansion of the Senior Companion program mobilizing seniors living in or near poverty to “work” with frail seniors and assist those who are homebound or in need of assistance.

Almost 100 people attended the event, which included a special posthumous tribute to Stan Klaus, a founding board member who was dedicated in his support for the Thanks Mom & Dad Fund®.

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2014-15 Grants

The Thanks Mom & Dad Fund made its 2014-15 grants to seven organizations that serve Georgia’s older adults, fill gaps in services and provide emergency assistance for vulnerable older Georgians.

  • A. G. RHODES HEALTH & REHAB for additional rehabilitation equipment for elder clients in rehabilitation therapy.
  • ATLANTA THEATRE TO GO –  for documenting histories in LifeWise videos of 10 older adults with positive images of aging.
  • CENTER FOR PAN ASIAN COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC. – Financial literacy and lifestyle programs for  older Korean-Americans in community.
  • GUEST HOUSE –  Including music therapies in Adult Day Health programs, geriatric and activity services for older adults with functional impairments.
  • ICARE – DEKALB COUNTY –  Volunteer transportation to medical appointments for seniors in DeKalb County.
  • SENIOR SERVICES NORTH FULTON – Supporting the “We Care” van providing transportation for wheelchair bound older adults to medical appointments .
  • SOUTHWEST GEORGIA COUNCIL ON AGING (SOWEGA) –  Durable medical equipment for Fall Prevention program for frail seniors.

According to President, Maureen Kelly, “These grants will address significant unmet needs and make a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of older Georgians, helping them to remain independent and access vital services.”

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Previous Grantees:

A. G. RHODES HEALTH & REHAB for the Rhodes to Home initiative to bridge healthcare disparities among the elderly with low incomes and improve medical follow up, seamless coordination and access for recently-discharged patients throughout the period of recovery and rehabilitation therapy.

ANIZ, INC Targeted assessments for at-risk HIV positive persons 55+, particularly African-American women

ATHENS COMMUNITY COUNCIL ON AGING – designated JACKSON COUNTY Personal care and homemaking services for older adults with severe physical and/or cognitive limitations.

ATHENS COMMUNITY COUNCIL ON AGING – Metro Athens, Northeast Georgia Specialty appliances (replacement) for Bentley Center and/or Mobile Day Services site.

Specialty software support to improve home-delivered meals services and efficiencies

ATLANTA ALLIANCE ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES – Atlanta Region Training and links to vital resources for aging caregivers for persons with Developmental Disabilities.

ATLANTA LEGAL AID SOCIETY, INC. – Worldwide Web Development of online interactive interview process to help seniors complete the Advance Directives for Health Care and Durable Financial Power of Attorney forms

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION, GEORGIA CHAPTER – STATE Safe Return and MedicAlert enrollments and emergency placements for lost wanderers.

CENTER FOR PAN ASIAN COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC. – ATLANTA REGION Programs for Vietnamese older adults in community.

CENTER FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED – ATLANTA REGION In-home assessments and comprehensive vision rehabilitation services for older adults.

CENTER FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED for the Assistive Technology Program for seniors with limited vision to more fully enable them to better navigate the world around them from their computers, tablets and other devices.

CHEROKEE COUNTY VOLUNTEER COUNCIL ON AGING – CHEROKEE COUNTY Helping Hands Chore Program providing additional services to homebound elderly Meals-On-Wheels clients.

CLARKSTON COMMUNITY CENTER – ATLANTA REGION Bridge programs for the elderly refugee populations.

CLIFTON SANCTUARY MINISTRIES – LAKE CLAIRE COMMUNITY Palliative foot care program for elderly homeless shelter guests who are sick, wounded and/or disabled.

COASTAL GEORGIA AREA COMMUNITY ACTION AUTHORITY – BRUNSWICK, GA Non-emergency transportation services for homebound elderly providing trips to doctor appointments, dialysis and access to other services.

COMMUNITY HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER – CITY OF ATLANTA Emergency Repair Program serving low-income persons over 60 whose homes are threatened by the most severe conditions.

CONCERTED SERVICES, INCORPORATED – BULLOCH COUNTY Home-delivered meals program support in Bulloch County. Transportation for home-delivered meals.

COUNCIL ON AGING FOR MCINTOSH TRAIL – SPALDING COUNTY Commercial freezer to expand home delivered meals services to homebound elderly for evenings and weekend meals.

FRIENDS OF DISABLED ADULTS & CHILDREN TOO (FODAC) – ATLANTA Refurbish & distribute durable medical equipment (DME) to seniors

FRIENDS OF DISABLED ADULTS AND CHILDREN TOO (FODAC) for recycling, refurbishing and providing home medical equipment for seniors.

FRIENDS OF GWINNETT SENIOR SERVICES – GWINNETT COUNTY Volunteer driven home repairs and maintenance program for homebound elderly.

FUQUA CENTER FOR LATE-LIFE DEPRESSION – STATEWIDE                                        Established a Mental Health Peer Support program to increase continuity of mental health care for older adults through integration of peer support services.

GEORGIACARES – STATEWIDE PROGRAM Designated contributions to improve access to prescription drugs and information for older Georgians.

GEORGIA GOLDEN OLYMPICS – STATEWIDE

Statewide competitions, exercise and health promotion for older adults

GEORGIA RADIO READING SERVICES – STATEWIDE  Specialty radios for visually impaired older adults.*

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY – PROJECT HEALTHY GRANDPARENTS – for the purchase of a van to transport Grandparents raising Grandchildren to medical appointments, support group meetings and early childhood intervention appointments.

GEORGIA STRIDERS, INC. – ATLANTA REGION Walking and wellness activities including Mayors’ Walk for 2,500+ older adults.

GOLDEN HARVEST FOOD BANK – AUGUSTA Establish a meal distribution site in Elbert County.

GOOD NEIGHBORING FOUNDATION, INC. (designated grant) to mobilize the Asian Senior Volunteer Corps to expand outreach to Asian and Pacific Island American seniors and expand the Retired and Volunteer Services program into 5 counties with community service partners.

HENRY COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING – HENRY COUNTY New address numerals for first responders and meals volunteers to identify homebound.

ICARE – DEKALB COUNTY Volunteer transportation to medical appointments for seniors in DeKalb County.

INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF DISADVANTAGE & DISABILITY (ISDD) – ATLANTA Provide in-home services and transportation for Grandparents raising Grandchildren with disabilities.

JEWISH FAMILY & CAREER SERVICES – ATLANTA Provide support services for older adults seeking employment.

LEGACY LINK – GAINESVILLE, GEORGIA MOUNTAINS Continence supplies and nutrients for persons 55+ in the CCSP/SOURCE (Medicaid Waiver) programs.

MEALS ON WHEELS OF COWETA, INC.  for the purchase of a walk-in freezer making it possible to serve more persons eligible to receive home delivered meals

MEALS ON WHEELS – MACON & BIBB COUNTY Homemaker services for older adults who have been on waiting lists; providing weekly chores, scheduling doctor appointments, paying bills and helping them stabilize their environment in order to prevent institutionalization.

MIDTOWN ASSISTANCE CENTER – ATLANTA REGION Emergency rent or mortgage assistance for low-income seniors.* Emergency utility assistance for low-income seniors at risk.*

OPEN HAND – ATLANTA REGION Increase meals to two per day for a greater number of older adults currently receiving only one meal.

QUALITY LIVING SERVICES -ATLANTA In-home support services for older adults through Support With Aging-In-Place program

SENIOR CITIZEN SERVICES, INC. – SAVANNAH   Short-term emergency services/crisis intervention and community-based services for at-risk older adults.

SENIOR CITIZEN SERVICES, INC. – SAVANNAH  for the expansion of the Senior Companion program mobilizing seniors living in or near poverty to “work” with seniors and assist those who are frail, homebound or in need of assistance.

SENIOR CITIZEN SERVICES – ATLANTA REGION Volunteer driven program for home repairs and maintenance/modifications to help older adults remain in their homes.

SENIOR SERVICES NORTH FULTON, INC. – NORTH FULTON Vision clinics through “The Eyes Have It” initiative providing screening and glasses for older adults who do not otherwise have access to vision services.

Emergency assistance for at-risk clients for which there is no other funding source and without which other services cannot be delivered.

SENIOR CONNECTIONS – Atlanta Region Foot Care Coalition providing foot care services and assessments for older adults.

SOUTHWEST GEORGIA COUNCIL ON AGING (SOWEGA) – ALBANY REGION Chairs replacing older, unsafe chairs in the Senior Center.

Volunteer program to build ramps and improve access for seniors confined to their homes due to condition necessitating use of wheelchairs.

Purchase specialty electric heating bags for home-delivered meals in distant rural areas in order to maintain safe food temperatures.

THE GUEST HOUSE – GAINESVILLE, GEORGIA MOUNTAINS Day Health, geriatric and activity services for older adults with functional impairments

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Other designated grants expanded GeorgiaCares, assisted Georgia Striders and targeted areas with memorial contributions.