The Chula Vista Community Foundation is directing $60,000 in new grants toward senior wellness programs after community members identified older adults as a key priority for this year’s funding cycle.
Each year, Chula Vista Community Foundation members are asked what needs they are seeing in the community and where grant funding can make the greatest impact. A volunteer grants committee reviews that input and selects the annual focus area.
“This year, members identified older adults as a priority and wanted to support programs that help seniors remain active, engaged, and able to thrive in Chula Vista,” said LaVonne Cashman, chair of the Chula Vista Community Foundation Grants Committee.
The funding was awarded to three organizations — Mama’s Kitchen, Parkinson’s Association of San Diego, and San Diego Oasis — with each receiving $20,000 to expand services supporting older adults in Chula Vista.
Cashman said the organizations were selected because each addresses different aspects of senior well-being. Mama’s Kitchen provides nutritious meals and food support, including assistance for seniors with pets. The Parkinson’s Association of San Diego supports seniors and caregivers through wellness programs and transportation assistance designed to help participants remain active and engaged. San Diego Oasis offers wellness, nutrition, and social connection programs delivered directly into neighborhoods to improve access for older adults.
Reaching Hundreds Together, the programs are expected to reach more than 800 older adults in Chula Vista.“These grants reflect what the Chula Vista Community Foundation is all about: improving quality of life for people in our community,” Cashman said. “By investing in programs that support older adults, we’re helping local organizations respond to real community needs while creating opportunities for residents to stay engaged, supported, and connected.” Cashman said many older adults in Chula Vista want to remain independent and continue living in their homes, but face challenges including rising costs, limited transportation, social isolation, and difficulty accessing services. These needs, she said, continue to drive demand for programs that support health, well-being, and connection. To measure long-term impact, the Foundation requires grantees to submit reports approximately 13 months after funding is awarded. These reports outline how funds were used, who was served, and what outcomes were achieved. Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $920,000 across 48 nonprofit programs serving Chula Vista residents.“Our nonprofit partners are the experts in delivering these services,” Cashman said. “The Foundation’s role is to help connect resources with community needs, while local organizations bring the experience, relationships, and on-the-ground knowledge needed to make these programs successful.” Cashman said partnerships with local non-profits are essential to expanding services such as meals, wellness programs, and digital literacy support, helping ensure funding reaches older adults in practical and accessible ways.
“This year’s Grant Awards Celebration highlighted both the challenges seniors are facing and the strong commitment of organizations working to support them,” Cashman said. “The biggest takeaway was that the need is significant, but so is the dedication of those providing services.”
