Patio Area Sit and Think

Sit and Think is an experience. For many residents, our patio area is a very special place that allows them time to themselves, outdoor experience, and a quite oasis within a bustling metro area. Our patio serves as a place for family and friends to gather for special events like the "Mini State Fair". We plan to replace many old benches (pictured) with Forever Furniture a brand that is easier for seniors to use, easier to move and arrange for activities and gathering. This product has shown lasting durability and excellent wear and tear making it a premier furniture option for our facility.

Senior Music Project

The Merrymakers Association provides live professional music to 146 senior communities throughout Nebraska and in western and central Iowa. Activity directors agree that our monthly performances improve seniors' quality of life, decrease feelings of anxiety and depression, decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation, increase happiness and give a chance to express feelings.

We currently have about 30 facilities on our waiting list. Our goal for Give 65 is to kick off a year of fundraising to tackle that waiting list. Please help us meet our goal of raising funds to bring music to seniors across Nebraska and in western and central Iowa.

New PC's for Tech Lab

When it comes to learning how to use a computer, senior citizens tend to harbor a bit of apprehension. To many, learning the technology is intimidating and seems like an insurmountable task. The classes offered by the Golden Connections Community Center show seniors practical ways that computers can make their lives easier and to break down any misconceptions they may have.

The centers existing computers are over 8 years old and are starting to crash. The GCCC would like to try to raise funds to purchase 5 new computers for our Tech Lab. The center plans to run classes to 3 times a week to teach basic and intermediate computer skills.

Low Income Food and Enrichment Program (LIFE)

Our goal in 2019 is $6,900. With this level of giving, donors to Give 65 will support 1,000 meals delivered to hungry & isolated community members.

At Meals on Wheels our clients receive More Than A Meal with each meal that is delivered. That means 1,000 smiles, 1,000 safety checks, 1,000 heartfelt connections because of your investment. Your generosity directly improves the quality of life that our clients live.

LIFE clients are at or below the Federal Poverty Level, living on $771 a month or less. 400+ volunteers deliver meals to clients who are isolated and lonely due to their health concerns and socioeconomic status. LIFE clients are isolated; 85% of clients report that their Meals on Wheels volunteer is the only person they see on a daily basis. 88% of clients state that LIFE helps them feel less isolated. Our volunteers see clients daily, and this daily connection reduces our clients' feelings of isolation and loneliness.

LIFE reaches an audience that disproportionately suffers from food insecurity. Without LIFE, clients would continue to cope by relying on inexpensive, unhealthy food that exacerbates their health problems such as dental decay, high blood pressure and depression.

We accept "Anyone of any age for any reason." in the LIFE program. Current clients range in age from 29-101 and in the past 12 months we have served a range of ages from 7-109. 56% of clients are adults between the ages of 25-64, 35% are seniors 65+, 9% are 85-101. In the last 15 years, the number of food-insecure seniors has increased more than twofold. Food insecurity for seniors means that they may have been unable to eat meals as directed for disease management and may run out of food, leading to poor disease self-management.

Clients report that upon receiving LIFE services relief begins immediately. LIFE improves client's daily life including reducing stress and increasing health through food security. For example, after participating in our programs, 96% of LIFE clients reported that our meals gave them more independence, allowing them to remain healthy and in their own homes. 94% of LIFE clients enrolled in the program report that their food needs are met, as well as demonstrate an improvement in their overall health, nutrition, eating habits, and quality of life.