For many older adults, losing the ability to drive can mean losing access to medical appointments, groceries, social activities, and other essentials that support independent living. Living at Home of the Park Rapids Area reflected on the impact of an anonymous $20,000 grant from a donor-advised fund held at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, writing the following in a final grant report:
“We often hear from seniors things like, ‘I was at a loss, I don’t know what I would do without your help.’ … For many of our clients, if we were not able to help them, they would be forced to move from the home and community they love. Many of our clients can no longer drive.”
Living at Home of the Park Rapids Area that year had more than 100 volunteers who provided more than 7,700 hours of their time, driving more than 61,000 miles to support 407 seniors in the community.
“Imagine not being able to drive any longer and having no access to public transportation. How would you get to the doctor, buy groceries, get a haircut, visit with friends, or attend a social gathering? We bridge that gap every day. We are so proud of our staff and volunteers but most importantly we are meeting a need that would otherwise not be met.”
Living at Home of the Park Rapids Area is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serving older adults and caregivers in the Park Rapids region. Its mission is to mobilize volunteers and community resources so seniors can continue living safely and independently in the home of their choice. The organization serves communities including Park Rapids, Nevis, Akeley, Osage, and surrounding areas in Hubbard County and portions of neighboring counties.
Through the generosity of donors, seniors across the region can also benefit from living independently, maintaining connections, and remaining in the communities they call home.
