The WellSky Foundation Gifts $50,000 to Northland Shepherd’s Center to Address Food Insecurity for Local Seniors
Kansas City-based organization gains resources to expand support for local seniors living independently
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — December 16, 2021 — Today the WellSky Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving quality of life for vulnerable populations, announced it has gifted $50,000 to Northland Shepherd’s Center, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for adults 60 and older by helping them thrive in the community and remain in their homes. With the funding from the WellSky Foundation, the organization will launch the Seniors Community Cupboard Pantry to help older adults experiencing food insecurity.
Northland Shepherd’s Center empowers seniors to maintain their independence by building a sense of community and eliminating isolation through its services, which include classes, food distribution, workshops, and transportation, to older adults who wish to remain in their homes. In 2019, nearly 9.7 million seniors experienced food insecurity across the country. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this number has continued to rise.
“We at Northland Shepherd’s Center are passionate about enabling the seniors we serve to thrive within their homes and communities,” shared Melanie Beard, President of the Board of Trustees of Northland Shepherd’s Center. “Seniors experiencing food insecurity are more likely to suffer from chronic disease, mental health issues, and nutrient deficiency. With the WellSky Foundation’s support, our team can enable older adults with healthy food options – powering true health and wellness.”
Northland Shepherd’s Center recently moved into its standalone location to meet the growing needs of the community and expand its service offerings. In renovating one of its office suites, the organization will be able to provide approximately 400 food insecure seniors receiving as little as $19 in nutrition assistance each month with a dignified shopping environment through the Seniors Community Cupboard Pantry. It will not only provide critical refrigerated and nonperishable food items, but also additional information and resources, including benefits checkups and chronic disease management classes.
“At the WellSky Foundation, it is our mission to build thriving communities by addressing social barriers to lasting health and wellness, and it’s clear Northland Shepherd’s Center is aligned with our goal,” shared Andrea Morgan, Executive Director of the WellSky Foundation. “Their efforts to keep our senior community members independent, active, and in their homes is inspiring to see, especially during the holiday season. We are thrilled to support Northland Shepherd’s Center’s critical work.”
The WellSky Foundation is committed to enabling whole-person care by removing social and economic factors barring long-term wellness. In the two years since the WellSky Foundation’s inception, it has generously provided grants to 18 organizations, including local partners such as Uplift and Midland Care, and on the national scale to Meals on Wheels America, TAPS, and Second Wind Dreams. To learn more about the WellSky Foundation, visit WellSkyFoundation.org.
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About Northland Shepherd’s Center
Northland Shepherd’s Center is a non-profit agency with 501(C)(3) designation. The organization is committed to improving the quality of life for adults (60-plus) by helping them thrive in the community and remain in their homes. Northland Shepherd’s Center is funded through grants, individual, and business donations, 60 supporting faith-based organizations, United Way, and fundraising events. Northland Shepherd’s Center’s office acts as a clearing house to unite older adults to services and agencies. Founded 29 years ago, the organization provide purpose and meaning for adults (60-plus) in Clay and Platte counties. The Shepherd’s Center concept originated in 1974 in Kansas City, Missouri, when Rev. Dr. Elbert C. Cole formed a coalition of civic leaders to consider “aging in America.” Rev. Cole saw the mature years as an opportunity for healthy, concerned adults to engage in educational enrichment in their communities. To learn more about Northland Shepherd’s Center, visit northlandsc.org.
About the WellSky Foundation
The WellSky Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to improving quality of life for vulnerable populations by removing social barriers to health, recovery, and lasting wellness. The WellSky Foundation is an engine for change, financially supporting organizations that enable care and healing for people, regardless of their socioeconomic status. With a deep understanding of the social determinants of health, the WellSky Foundation partners with community organizations that are boldly addressing the top four socioeconomic factors affecting long-term wellness — housing, food insecurity, transportation, and isolation. The WellSky Foundation is committed to funding and supporting organizations that protect the people and communities they serve and create better outcomes for people in need. Together with our community partners, the WellSky Foundation is breaking down social barriers to health and wellness to build thriving communities. To learn more about the WellSky Foundation, visit WellSkyFoundation.org.
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