Thanks to a grant from Meals on Wheels America and Subaru, SAGE Eldercare hosted a “Lunch, Learn, and Listen” program for isolated older adults.
The Driving the Movement grant allowed for an expansion of the SAGE Meals with Friends program. People who have benefitted from SAGE services, including Meals on Wheels, were picked up at their homes, brought to SAGE for lunch with peers and volunteers, and enjoyed quality entertainment. Three programs have been offered so far and included entertainment by barbershop quartet The Four Old Parts, singing sisters The Pettets, and soul/jazz vocalist Rhonda Denet.
The grant enabled SAGE to invite about 25 participants for each program and gave them the chance to meet new people, interact with volunteers, and take part in activities at SAGE that they are otherwise unable to attend due to challenges like limited mobility and access to transportation.
“Meals on Wheels and Subaru’s generosity enabled us to expand Meals with Friends, which is our friendly visitor program. It has been the catalyst for long-lasting friendships between our participants and their dedicated volunteers. Our volunteers recognized that their older adult friends would benefit from increased opportunities to leave their homes and gain access to socialization with peers and engage with the helpful professionals of SAGE,” said Marianne Kranz, SAGE’s Director of Volunteers, Meals on Wheels, and Home Support Services.
About SAGE Eldercare
Since 1954, SAGE Eldercare has been helping make the communities it serves amazing places to age. The non-profit organization provides a wide array of information, support, and services designed to help individuals lead the most independent and active lives possible. From helping with errands and delivering Meals on Wheels, to exercise classes, community programs, Medicare counseling, care planning, an adult day health care program, and home health care, as well as the SAGE Resale Shop and Furniture Restoration Workshop, SAGE’s expertise helps older adults remain independent in their own homes. SAGE is committed to being the leading provider of programs and services to meet the changing needs of older adults, their families, and caregivers throughout Union, Essex, Morris, and Somerset Counties. For more information, please call 908.273.5550 or visit www.sageeldercare.org.
(above) Thanks to a Driving the Movement grant from Meals on Wheels America and Subaru, SAGE Eldercare hosted a “Lunch, Learn, and Listen” program for isolated older adults. Three programs were offered so far and included entertainment by barbershop quartet The Four Old Parts (pictured here with New Providence resident Betty Butz), singing sisters The Pettets, and soul/jazz vocalist Rhonda Denet.
