Argentum, the American Seniors Housing Association, the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care and Health Dimensions Group have joined forces with CARE to raise funds to help older adults in Ukraine with their food, shelter and supply needs.
Contributions to the “Senior Living Cares” campaign will be accepted through May 18 through a link available at www.argentum.org/ukraine (the direct link is care.org/seniorlivingcares).
“There are more than 7 million people aged 60 or older in Ukraine who cannot escape from affected areas. These seniors need urgent protection and our assistance,” Argentum President and CEO James Balda said in a statement.
Balda urged senior living organizations to share information about the campaign with their employees and residents and to consider an employer-matching program.
Support comes from individual operators, too
Individually, many senior living companies and communities have been raising funds to aid Ukraine, too.
For instance, Houston-based Belmont Village Senior Living, through its BV Cares fund, raised more than $130,000 to support refugees at the border and matched fund donations made through its website up to $50,000. The donations will support food, water and hygiene kits.
“It’s not enough to wring our hands. We are blessed to have the resources to help women, seniors and children during these difficult times,” Belmont Village founder and CEO Patricia Will said in a statement.
The BV Cares fund typically is used to provide financial assistance to employees in crisis, but Will said that it was a “critical time” to use the fund “to help those that have been impacted by this humanitarian crisis.”
Elsewhere, residents and staff members of the Sterling Park independent living community of The Osborn in Rye, NY, with the help of The Osborn Foundation, joined forces to raise more than $25,000 to assist with humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine. Funds were destined for CARE’s Ukraine Emergency Fund.
“This demonstrates our residents’ compassion for people across the global community,” The Osborn President and CEO Matthew G. Anderson said of the resident-driven effort.
Residents of the WhiteStone senior living community, Greensboro, NC, banded together and raised more than $5,103 for funds that will aid Ukraine via Global Ministries.
And residents and staff members at Brandywine Living at Princeton held a fundraiser March 30 that raised $2,7863.20; proceeds were donated to Hope For Ukraine in Rowland, NJ, to aid humanitarian efforts. Yurly Boyechko, president of Hope for Ukraine, said that all proceeds will go directly to buy food for Ukrainian refugees.
Another example involves residents at Porter Place, an Anthem Memory Care community in Tinley Park, IL, who created and sold tie-dyed t-shirts, hair bands and scrunchies. Funds will be donated to Direct Relief, which works directly with Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and other partners to provide medical aid.
“Many of our residents have seen conflicts around the world during their lifetime, and dementia doesn’t diminish their desire to help others,” Jennifer Boonstra, life engagement director for Porter Place, said in a statement. “They are committed to helping people whether near or far.”
Senior living could offer employment
Virginia-based Goodwin House, a non-profit, faith-based organization, reported that it has hosted prayer vigils at its two life plan communities, has taken steps to minimize its financial investments that have ties to Russia, and has offered support to LeadingAge as the national organization develops pathways for providers to welcome Ukrainian citizens to America for employment and, in the case of older adults from Ukraine, “places where they will be supported, honored and uplifted.”
On the career front, last month, the American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living said that it is working with the International Rescue Committee and Welcome.US to help refugees and with its own state affiliates and local refugee offices on potential career-related partnerships for people from Ukraine.
“The diversity of career paths within long-term care means there is something for everyone, and we welcome them with open arms,” AHCA / NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson said at the time.
