Juanita C. Grant Foundation to Launch New “Village Connector Experience”

An initiative created to bring comfort and aid to the 50+ community in trying times

The Juanita C. Grant Foundation (JCGF) will be launching its Village Connector Experience this month. Created to combat the ill effects of current social distancing measures on aging adults in the District of Columbia-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area, the Village Connector Experience will help to ease the loneliness that many are suffering from at this time. The initiative will feature curated experiences designed to motivate affected individuals to decrease their level of isolation through virtual events and other methods of engagement.



Even before the pandemic, one-third of older adults experienced social isolation at a degree that presented significant risks to their mental and physical health. The Center for Disease Control refers to social isolation and loneliness in older adults as a serious public health risk that can complicate existing medical conditions and the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine report that a quarter of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the rate at which people of all ages experience loneliness, and older adults remain the most vulnerable segment of the population. With the suspension of regular opportunities for social interaction such as community center outings, church services, salon/barber appointments, and doctor visits, seniors feel their mandatory seclusion even more keenly, demonstrating to healthcare and social service organizations, how much of an issue social isolation among seniors is.



As an organization dedicated to empowering the 50+ community and improving their quality of life, JCGF is committed to providing a solution. The organization has carefully selected and trained volunteer ambassadors to conduct outreach to affected seniors, and support their transition towards a more socially-engaged life. These ambassadors will reach out to those who sign up for the Village Connector Experience, providing comfort in whatever form participants prefer. Members may elect to receive greeting cards, letters or surprise packages from the program, and can schedule a time to speak with an ambassador 1 to 3 times per week, Sundays through Fridays. Throughout the duration of the program, member progress will be monitored regularly, ensuring that progress towards social engagement is being made, and that the services of the program continue to improve to meet the needs of subscribers.



JCGF hopes to serve as the catalyst which prompts members to become self-motivated in breaking the cycle of social isolation.



About the Juanita C. Grant Foundation

The Juanita C. Grant Foundation (JCGF) provides education and training, advocacy and research addressing economic insecurity, workforce development and quality of life challenges for the 50+ community. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for the 50+ through economic workforce development, education, and training.

To learn more about our initiatives and join us on this journey, please visit our website at www.jcgfdn.org.



Media Contact

Karachi Opara 

kara.opara@gmail.com