Center for Elders' Independence Foundation

The Center for Elders' Independence Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the well-being and dignity of older adults, particularly those at risk. The foundation's mission aligns with that of its affiliated organization, the Center for Elders' Independence (CEI), which focuses on promoting independence, dignity, and improved quality of life for older adults through comprehensive healthcare and social services[3][5].

Purpose and Activities

The Center for Elders' Independence Foundation advances its mission through several targeted initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older adults in the East Bay area. These initiatives include:

• Fund for Excellence: Provides support for maintaining and equipping PACE community centers, backing frontline caregivers, and advancing senior healthcare[3][5].
• WebLinks Program: Assists seniors in overcoming the digital divide by promoting digital literacy and connectivity[3].
• Healthy Living Fund: Supplements PACE Center activities to reduce social isolation, enhance physical dexterity, and improve mental health among participants[3].
• Healing & Hope Fund: Expands the Spiritual Care Program to support mental and behavioral health initiatives[3].
• Helping Hands Emergency Assistance Fund: Offers emergency assistance to participants facing health, home, or security threats[3].
• Mark Abar, RN, Memorial Scholarship Fund for Clinical Education: Supports clinical education in honor of Mark Abar, RN, a dedicated healer and mentor[3].
• Language Bridge Fund: Provides hand-held language translators to facilitate communication across linguistic barriers[3].

Governance and Leadership

As of the latest available data, the foundation's board of directors includes a diverse group of leaders committed to supporting the well-being of older adults. This includes individuals such as Carol Leytem, Amy Kimmel, Alexis Burck, Flo Raskin, James Sherrer, Pello Walker, Mary Young-Williams, Thomas Hyland, Maria Zamora, and Amber Childress[5].

Affiliation with Center for Elders' Independence

The foundation is closely aligned with Center for Elders' Independence (CEI), which operates as a healthcare model focused on serving vulnerable older adults through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). CEI's services include comprehensive medical, social, and emotional support, enabling older adults to live independently in their homes and communities[1][4]. CEI has achieved significant recognition, including designation as an Age-Friendly Health System, emphasizing its commitment to high-quality, person-centered care[2].