Fall 2026 Grant Recipients
Congratulations (and thank you!) to these NC nonprofits providing direct care and support to our neighbors.
COMPASS (Center on Maintaining Preferred Aging Services and Solutions) helps older adults and vulnerable residents of six counties in Northeastern NC maintain stability, independence, and access to essential supports in their home communities. Their Unmet Needs program addresses urgent individual health needs, filling the gap between medical care and the basic conditions older adults need to remain healthy at home. "This funding will directly support North Carolina residents in remaining safe, independent, and connected in their own home – helping ensure that seniors can age with dignity in the communities they know and love,” said Mary Marlin, Aging Program Director at Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments.
Cross Connection serves seniors in 15 rural N.C. counties by constructing wheelchair ramps and porches that enhance residents’ safety, mobility, and independence in their homes. The work is undertaken each summer by church youth groups from across the state, equipping students with hands-on skills and fostering meaningful relationships with the neighbors they serve. “When an older adult can safely get in and out of their own front door, they keep their independence, health, and connection to the people around them," said Salem Sheridan, Program and Community Director. “This grant puts materials directly into those projects and helps more older adults across North Carolina stay safely at home.”
GOLD, Growing Older Living Digitally began in response to a growing need among older adults for practical technology support. They offer virtual and in-person digital health programming in counties throughout the state, including hands-on support with patient portals and MyChart, telehealth, provider messaging, test results, appointments and prescriptions, caregiver proxy access, accessibility features, account security and medical scams. “At GOLD, we see every day that giving an older adult access to the digital tools their care now depends on is only half the story. The other half is the confidence to actually use it,” said RJ Reyes, Co-Founder and Director.
AIMHigh – Keep Pressing is committed to promoting community well-being by providing accessible, low-to no-cost services and events that foster connection, support, and resilience. Their Park & Play Senior program addresses social isolation among Vance County seniors with structured recreational and social activities to encourage movement and socialization. “At AIMHigh- Keep Pressing, we are committed to bringing meaningful health and wellness activities directly to senior communities, creating opportunities for seniors to stay active, connected, and engaged,” said Executive Director Jessica Rice Hawkins.