New Grant Focuses on Social Connectedness for Older Adults

San Francisco Neighborhood Centers Together is thrilled to receive a new grant to support older adults from Metta Fund. The new 2-year grant will support “Social Connectedness and Belonging Among Older Adults,” and is part of Metta Fund’s significant investment into older adult service providers across San Francisco. 

“We believe that every older adult deserves to age with dignity and joy,” said Metta Fund CEO Janet Y. Spears. “Our focus on social connectedness is essential to counteract the isolation that many elders face, particularly in the current social and political climate.”

The new grant builds upon a strong partnership between San Francisco Neighborhood Centers Together and Metta Fund. Past support has allowed investments in capacity building and funded direct service programs including home delivered grocery programs to cancer support groups, senior wellness classes, and digital literacy programs. 

The grant will support older adult programs at San Francisco Neighborhood Center Together’s 8 member centers that collectively serve more than 12,000 residents each year. 

“We are thrilled and grateful for the continued support from Metta Fund,” said Danny Sauter, Executive Director of San Francisco Neighborhood Centers Together. “This investment is a testament to Metta Fund’s understanding and dedication to providing more resources to serve San Francisco’s growing older adult population. These funds will fight isolation and improve health outcomes in neighborhoods across San Francisco.” 

The grant comes at a time when San Francisco’s older adult population is the fastest growing age group and recent data shows that nearly 30% of San Francisco residents will be age 60 or older by the year 2030, with 30% of these older adults living alone in isolation.