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Advocacy and Community Engagement Through Partnerships



The Juanita C. Grant Foundation (JCGF) is committed to long-term efforts to advocate and conduct research to improve the quality of life the 50+ community that is experiencing the challenges of “ageism” both subtle and overt. JCGF is addressing social isolation of older adults, abuse and financial fraud and long standing inequities in communities of color. A series of new partnerships have been established to further those endeavors.


The United States Department of Justice - September 2023

Elder Initiative has formed a partnership with the Juanita C. Grant Foundation to help combat elder abuse and scams. The partnership adds Federal prosecutors to the panel of law enforcement and educational resources to the Juanita C. Grant Foundation’s Elder Abuse and Fraud Prevention Training Series (EAFS). The

EAFS is conducted by JCGF in all 9 Districts in Prince George’s County since 2017. In partnership with Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation, the training sessions are conducted in Senior Activity Centers and Community Centers. JCGF also provides small group trainings such the Georgetown Senior Center and at senior living centers such as Cameron Grow and The Skybridge.


National Network of State Elder Justice Coalitions (NNSEJC)- July 23, 2023

As result of the Juanita C. Grant Foundation’s Elder Abuse and Fraud Prevention Training Series (EAFS) in Maryland, JCGF was granted associate status in the National Network of State Elder Justice Coalitions (NNSEJC). NNSEJC members represent state or tribal elder justice coalitions. These ongoing multidisciplinary state or tribal collaboratives with defined memberships are dedicated to identifying and addressing gaps or inadequacies in policy and practice related to elder abuse detection, prevention, and intervention.


SAGECare - May 12, 2023

The Juanita C. Grant launched our “ Inclusion Initiative” during Spring of 2023. This strategic effort embraces targeted outreach and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities into our programs, services, board membership and volunteer Ambassadors. Our first step was for the JCGF executive staff and Board of Directors to achieve SAGECare Platinum level training credentials. SAGE is the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBT older adults and their caregivers, advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBT older people and provides training for aging providers and LGBT organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBT Aging. With offices in New York City, Washington, DC and Chicago, SAGE coordinates a growing network of 21 local SAGE affiliates in 15 states and the District of Columbia.


Employ Prince George’s Jobs Largo Encore Program and the Juanita C. Grant Foundation’s 50+ REFRESH Back to Work Bootcamp Partnership

The Juanita C. Grant Foundation is happy to announce the October 24, 2022 launch of our 50+ REFRESH Back to Work Bootcamp in partnership with the Employ Prince George’s Jobs Largo Encore Program. The Bootcamp is an intensive 7 week work readiness program for older adults returning to work. The trainings reflect a long standing partnership with Employ Prince George’s Jobs Largo Encore Program in Prince George’s County Maryland. Classes will be in person and virtual to reflect the current hybrid work world. The curriculum concentrates on computer skills, establishing a social media presence, individualized career planning and customer service orientation. Bootcamp members will be introduced to six high in demand industry career areas-social services, healthcare, recreation, retail, business and tourism and hospitality.


Truist Foundation

In November 2022, the Juanita C. Grant Foundation received a grant for $29,000 from the Truist Foundation for our Elder Abuse and Fraud Prevention Training Series. Abuse can happen to any older adult, but often affects those who depend on others for help with activities of everyday life — including bathing, dressing, and taking medicine. People who are frail may appear to be easy victims. Fraud schemes may come in the form of pressured scare tactics or get rich enticements. The Juanita C. Grant Foundation in partnership with the Truist Foundation is expanding our Elder Abuse and Fraud Prevention Training Series in 2023 to include informative podcasts with our Federal law enforcement agencies such as the Department of Justice, Elder Justice, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission. We will also enhance our trainings in senior activity centers with special agents from the IRS and Social Security to raise awareness of the red flags of elder abuse scams and prevent victimization.


Catalog of Philanthropy Class of 2022-2023

The Juanita C. Grant Foundation was accepted into the 2022-2023 partnership class of the Catalogue of Philanthropy. COVID-19 spurred a growth mode for the Juanita C. Grant Foundation through online programing and expansion of our advocacy efforts through National Town Halls and webinars. We look forward to elevating our outreach efforts and enhancements of our core programs of Elder Abuse and Fraud Prevention Training, Workforce Training and the Village Connector Experience program that breaks the cycle of social isolation and loneliness for older adults.


The Juanita C. Grant Foundation’s Elder Abuse and Fraud Prevention Training Series is conducted in partnership with Federal , State and local law enforcement agencies in Prince George’s County Maryland. We are especially proud of our collaborative relationship with the US Department of Justice, Elder Initiative in not only contributing as an expert panelist on elder abuse and fraud prevention but also providing original content blogs to help spread the word on “How Not to Be A Victim” in our monthly News Bulletin (see p. 49 2022 Annual Report to Congress on Department of Justice Activities to Combat Elder Fraud and Abuse) .


NextFifty  Initiative Partnership-Platinum Level

We’re excited to share that @NextFifty Initiative is providing funds beginning December 2021 to support our Elder Abuse and Financial Fraud Prevention Training Series, 50+ Workforce Initiative and Village Connector Experience Program for older adults.


Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness Partnership-Platinum level

We are pleased to announce the Juanita C. Grant Foundation’s November 2021 acceptance as a member of the Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness. The Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness is a national organization that engages in a variety of areas in order to advance its mission; these areas include, but are not limited to, disseminating research findings, developing, and advocating for federal and state legislative and regulatory policy interventions, and leading public awareness activities and events in Washington, DC as well as across the nation.


Prince George’s Community College Partnership-Platinum Level

JCGF was awarded a grant in December 2020 from the Prince George’s Community Foundation to pilot and Intergenerational Village Connector Experience Pilot. The pilot would incorporate college students to become certified VCE Ambassadors to support structure phone calls to older adults experience a sense of social isolation and loneliness due to COVID-19 restrictions. JCGF partnered with Prince George’s Community College establishing an internship program for students to interview and be trained as VCE Ambassadors.


Chattanooga Goodwill Senior Community Employment Program Partnership-Platinum Level

JCGF has established a partnership with Chattanooga Goodwill Industries in November 2020 to provide training for participants to be Village Connector Experience (VCE) Ambassadors. Chattanooga Goodwill Industries manages the operation of the Senior Community Service Employment Program(SCSEP). The Chattanooga SCSEP Ambassadors have completed 16 hours of training and will be providing motivational intervention calls 1-3 times per week to VCE members that have sign up for calls. The SCSEP VCE Ambassadors are working full-time in this capacity learning valuable customer service orientation, computer skills, and data management skills. The calls will help disrupt social isolation and loneliness experienced by older adults that has been exacerbated by COVID-19’s social distancing requirements.


Professional Outplacement Assistance Center-Maryland Department of Labor

In September 2021, the Juanita C. Grant Foundation, Inc. established a partnership with the Professional Outplacement Assistance Center Maryland Department of Labor. The two organizations will insightful webinars and workshops to tackle ageism and thrive in the intergeneration workforce. Ageism is not restricted to Baby Boomers but also to workers in their late 40’s and early 50’s. Both organizations will pool their collective resources to complement existing programming and develop additional offerings to meet the workforce development needs of this dynamic demographic.


Marymount University

In September 2020, the Juanita C. Grant Foundation entered into a partnership with Marymount University. The partnership with the School of Nursing will begin this Fall 2020 semester through the placement of Community Health Nursing students working in the targeted population of older adults. The BSN students will be exploring an evidence based project focused on Vaccination Outreach and Engagement.


NATIONAL COUNCIL ON AGING- In July 2020, Juanita C. Grant Foundation entered into a partnership with the National Council on Aging (NCOA). The partnership will work on preserving and strengthening the economic security of older adults, their caregivers, their families and communities as they age. The partners will be partnering on delivering national Town Hall events on critical topics and educating  communities about their eligibility for benefits to pay for medicine, healthcare, and food- to create positive change and help to dismantle systemic inequalities for all.


ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL, MONTGOMERY COUNTY CHAPTER-In July 2020, Juanita C. Grant Foundation entered into a partnership with Altrusa International Montgomery County, Maryland. The two organizations will leverage volunteer support to increase outreach and education on abuse and financial fraud in older adults, interrupt the cycle of social isolation of older adults.


PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER-In February 2020, Juanita C. Grant Foundation entered into a partnership with PGC Family Justice Center to provide education and consultative services on abuse and financial fraud of older adults. JCGF will be working collaboratively with 35 co-located non-profits and law enforcement agencies to provide integrated services.


50+ Workforce Initiative Planning Partners

JCGF’s 50+ Workforce Initiative is a proven model of preparing attendees through a year-round series of workforce readiness workshops preparing attendees for the Annual 50+ Workforce Forum and Hiring Event (WFHE). Attendees bypass the usual barriers of submitting resumes by interviewing directly with prospective employers. These employers are vetted to be actively hiring and attuned to the 50+ individual’s unique needs for flexibility and value the 50+’s work and life experience.


JCGF established the collaborative 50+ Workforce Initiative Planning Partners to engage the community and conducted extensive research on the needs of the 50+ population. The Planning Partners is an inclusive community-based approach connecting with organizations and government entities that promote and assist in workforce development for the 50+ community. 

The Planning Partners Are: 

Virginia Navigator

In March 2021, the Juanita C. Grant Foundation (JCGF) established a relationship with the VirginiaNavigator as a service provide. JCGF is now included in the VirginiaNavigator family of websites, www.seniornavigator.orgwww.virginianavigator.org, disAbilityNavigator.org, VeteransNavigator.org, and MyLifeMyCommunityVirginia.org.  All of these sites within the VirginiaNavigator network are  designed to help older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, caregivers, and families of these population segments within Virginia to locate vital resources. JCGF has been collaborating with Virginia No Wrong Door on the Village Connector Experience (VCE) call service to provide support to older adults especially during the current period of social distancing required by the COVID-19 pandemic.


American Red Cross – Tennessee Region

In February 2021, the Juanita C. Grant Foundation (JCGF) established a relationship with the American Red Cross-Tennessee Region. The goal is to help decrease social isolation in older adults that are experiencing a crisis by making those individuals aware of the Village Connector Experience (VCE) service as a resource. JCGF has established the VCE Ambassador hub through a partnership with Chattanooga Goodwill Senior Community Service Employment Program. These VCE Ambassadors will be the first line of support for requests for calls from older adults assisted by Red Cross.


Employ Prince George’s-Formerly Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit providing resources, training, outreach to special groups, entrepreneurship support, industry bridge program building relationships with area businesses matched with employment opportunities for residents.


America Job Center-Largo-The Center provides customized recruitment services for local businesses and recently added a 50+ Navigator to address the 50+ job seeker challenges.


Greater Mount Nebo A.M.E. Church-The Senior Ministry group support efforts of its members in employment efforts.

State of Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation-DLLR provides job development and employment training to help residents with skills and expertise needed to move with the economy.

Prince George’s County Memorial Library System-Offers a variety of programs to enrich reading, learning, computer and group events for residents of all ages.


Prince George’s County Department of Family Services Area Agency on Aging-Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) Provides programs that strengthen families and individuals through employment support programs and training. 


Prince George’s County Department of Family Services Area Agency on Aging-Foster Grandparents and RSVP Volunteer Programs-Provides opportunities for volunteer activities throughout the County providing support at activities.


Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation-The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission-Improved the quality of life for all resident through programs that reach all ages providing health lifestyle programs.


Prince George’s County Visiting Angels-Providing non-medical home care, companion care, senior care, memory care and personal care. 


Prince George’s County Senior Network Services-Providing a group of professionals who work together to help seniors in the community receive the support and assistance they need. 


Prince George’s Community College-Provides collaboration on adult education needs to equip adults to be prepared for the next employment opportunity of the future.

 


The Juanita C. Grant Foundation (JCGF) is launching its 2020 Education and Training Programs on a positive note. Over the past 3 years, JCGF has touched over 2,500 individuals through our Elder Abuse Fraud Series, Roundtables on Aging and the 50+ Workforce Initiative. The 2019 50+ Workforce Forum and Hiring Event which was held August 22nd had over 650 attendees interviewing with 66 vetted employers. In 2019 the Roundtables on Aging explored the synergies of the Intergeneration Culture and steps for transitioning to an Age-Friendly Community. The Elder Abuse Fraud Series provided education and training from law enforcement experts on averting scams and fraudulent schemes aimed at older adults.

Advocacy efforts include:

 

  • Convening community groups, businesses, advocates and experts to dialogue on addressing the issues and concerns of the 50+ which are the largest and fastest growing group of voters and volunteers.
  • Raising awareness of employers to the value of hiring 50+ workers that are highly committed.
  • Promoting changes to public policies to transition to Age-Friendly Communities.
  • Providing direct services on Elder Abuse and Fraud.
  • Creating workforce readiness activities addressing entrepreneurship, the 30 second introduction, finding your passion, effective interview skills and reframing resumes emphasizing experience as a strength-Don’t retire, Re-wire
  • Creating public discussion forums through the Roundtable Series on Aging bringing vital issues of the 50+ into the community.
  • Outreach to government agency officials raising awareness of the covert and overt challenges of “ageism”. 

 


an elderly couple is sitting at a table looking at a tablet .

JCGF is moving the needle forward in demonstrating the value of experience the 50+ individual brings to employers, to the community, themselves and their families. Outreach and Advocacy efforts are demonstrated in Roundtables of Ageism, presentations on the 50+ Workforce Initiative, Elder Fraud and Abuse Series and presentations on aging, wellness, financial management and resilience.

See volunteer / donation opportunities on website.

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