Juanita C. Grant Foundation, Inc Is Helping To End Social Isolation One Older Adult At A Time

New partnership with the Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness hopes to make significant strides towards social connectedness

Capitol Heights, MD, January 14, 2022: Juanita C. Grant Foundation, Inc (JCGF) recently joined the Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness (CESIL), alongside organizations like the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and Meals on Wheels. CESIL is an alliance of like-minded organizations working together to clear barriers to mental health and decrease social isolation. Both foundations share the goal of fostering greater social connection and communal wellbeing.

Jillian Racoonin, MPH, Deputy Director of the Coalition, recognizes the Juanita C. Grant Foundation's contributions to addressing social isolation and loneliness among older adults, stating, "We are pleased to announce the Juanita C. Grant Foundation's acceptance as a member of the Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness for November 2021. As a national organization, the Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness (CESIL) engages in various activities for the advancement of its mission, including, but not limited to, disseminating research findings, advocating for federal and state legislative and regulatory policy interventions, and organizing public awareness events in Washington, DC, and across the country.”

S. Orlene Grant, President & CEO of the Juanita C. Grant Foundation, is looking forward to exploring the possibilities that this new relationship can offer, citing the shared organizational goals. "CESIL's mission ties into Village Connector Experience (VCE) services, which provides customer service training for individuals to become certified Village Connector Ambassadors," she explained, giving a brief overview of the program. “Services provided include outreach calls to older adults that register for calls 1-3 times per week by an assigned VCE Ambassador, online events such as craft parties, and murder mystery readings and surprise packages. The activities increase social connectedness while interrupting social isolation and loneliness which continues to be exacerbated by the continuing Coronavirus pandemic.”

About the Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness

The Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness brings together a diverse set of national organizations including consumer groups, health plans, health care providers, technology innovators, patient advocates and more to develop and advocate for federal policy solutions to address the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness. For more information, please visit: www.endsocialisolation.org.

About the Juanita C. Grant Foundation 

The Juanita C. Grant Foundation (JCGF) provides education and training, advocacy and research addressing economic insecurity, social connectedness, workforce development and quality of life challenges for older adults. To learn more about our initiatives and join us on this journey, please visit our website at www.jcgfdn.org

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