On Aug. 11, the Community Congregational Development Corporation announced in a press release that it reached a $6 million grant milestone. These grants support the mission of the CCDC in serving and supporting the physical, social, psychological, and spiritual health of older adults.
This milestone was reached when the CCDC presented a $160,000 check to Legal Aid for Justice for South Bay Seniors which facilitates access and maintains supports and services that impact social determinants of health. With this support, the Justice project hired two new case managers who will specifically target older adults in the South Bay in a cultural and linguistically component manner. This grant, and the two case managers will serve approximately 800 seniors.
“It has been our honor to serve the Chula Vista and South Bay senior community with opportunities for access to technology, affordable housing and transportation, among other meaningful services, all of which combat potential isolation,” said Laurie Orange, CCDC director, corporate secretary and board member in a press release. “We are hopeful and optimistic other charitable organizations will join us to meet the rising demand for support amongst the aging population in this region.”
The CCDC’’s focus on Chula Vista and South Bay region prioritized several community needs for emergency and long-term impact in reaching its milestone.
Tech Program for Seniors
An innovative program fully funded by CCDC, Tech for Seniors is designed to reduce social isolation and loneliness among lower-income older adults through age-friendly technology training, technical assistance and intergenerational engagement. Those who completed the training are gifted a free iPad, enabling them stay connected with family and friends and attend virtual classes.
Housing and Stipends
Grants from CCDC supported affordable senior housing, including providing emergency rental assistance to reduce housing instability and homelessness. CCDC recently granted $350,000 to Serving Seniors to fund one of the first private shallow subsidy rental funds in the South Bay. This will provide up to $300 per month in rental assistance for an average of 30seniors each month. Subsidies will be paired with intensive case management services. Each client will receive tailored services designed to assist seniors in improving their housing stability and quality of life.
Local Transportation
More than $2 million was committed to enhancing mobility options and providing “last mile” connections to public transit so that older adults who no longer drive can conveniently access grocery stores, medical and personal appointments, and social activities. This total includes a $1 million grant to the City of Chula Vista to fund the Chula Vista Community Shuttle.
Grants during the COVID-19 pandemic
During the height of the pandemic, CCDC made emergency donations to a dozen organizations to stave off isolation, supply equipment and provide food and transportation assistance. This included a donation of over $650,000 to help keep one of Chula Vista’s few food banks, Community Through Hope, in service.
“Providing nutrition for the South Bay’s elderly population has been at the forefront of our mission since day one,” stated CTH President and CEO Rosy Vasquez. “Without the emergency funding provided by CCDC, our organization would not have been able to offer the programs and services that best met our senior client’s needs during the brunt of the pandemic.”
For more information about the CCDC, please visit: ccdc4seniors.org.
