Promoting Equity by Meeting Basic Needs

Written by

CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions is a nonprofit committed to serving the needs of older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers. We are working to build a healthier, flourishing community for all, with the help of our supporters. This blog is part of a four-part series highlighting each of the CICOA Foundation’s strategic initiatives to support our mission.

Many years ago, I worked with individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities. I came into this field of human services quite ignorant of how inequitable life can be, especially when facing forever disabilities. I assumed everyone had the same opportunities and just needed to take advantage of them. How wrong I was.

When I met Danny, he had severe disabilities due to brain trauma from physical and mental abuse that he experienced as a small child. He simply did not have the same opportunities in life that I had. I soon came to realize how many individuals can find themselves in dire circumstances through no fault of their own.

Strategic initiatives to guide the way forward

The CICOA Foundation recently launched four strategic initiatives to serve as pillars for our philanthropic efforts. The four initiatives to guide us forward are:

1

Promote Equity by Meeting Basic Needs

2

Lead the Way with Innovation

3

Create Strong Communities Through Effective Outreach

4

Strengthen the Safety Net

How does CICOA transform lives by meeting basic needs?

As I think about promoting equity by meeting basic needs, I am reminded that some in our community face food insecurity, a lack of access to quality medical care, unsafe living conditions, and a scarcity of transportation.

Among older adults in Central Indiana:

8 percent

8%

live in poverty
(2019)

14 percent

14%

are food insecure
(America’s Health Rankings)

25 percent

25%

fall each year
(2019)

42 percent

42%

lack reliable, affordable transportation
(2021)

Often there are few places to turn for help when help is most needed. But when these basic needs are met, lives begin to change, ailments begin to heal, and our community flourishes.

Through this strategic initiative, the CICOA Foundation is addressing these challenges for older adults and people with disabilities. When you give to CICOA’s Basic Needs fund:

  • You fight against hunger for your senior neighbors! Last year our donors provided 450,000 nutritious and life-giving meals to 2,000 seniors in our community.
  • You prevent dangerous and life-altering falls by providing grab bars, handrails, wheelchair ramps and other accessibility modifications through Safe at Home.
  • You increase access to medical care and support healthier outcomes by providing trips through Way2Go.

Protecting human dignity and independence

Our summary statement for this initiative offers insight into what I see as the “ultimate” reason to support this cause:

“Your donation offers survival and stability while protecting human dignity and independence for the best possible quality of life.”

My friend, I think that is worthy of our support. It’s a tremendous reason for sending your loving, caring, and compassionate gifts!

Over the next several months, I will address each of the Foundation’s strategic initiatives in my blog. By doing so, I hope to bring greater awareness and understanding about the work of the CICOA Foundation and why your support is so vitally needed.

Together, we are making a life-changing difference in our community!

P.S. Thank you for providing hope to those who lack the opportunities that you and I so often take for granted. Next month, we’ll look at how you can put compassion in action by investing in innovation.


YOUR GIFT TRANSFORMS LIVES

Give to help provide basic needs


Stephen Gerber
Steve Gerber

Steve Gerber brings experience in pastoral ministry, nonprofit management and fundraising team leadership to his role as CICOA’s chief development officer. Steve is responsible for the agency’s overall fundraising strategy, leading annual campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, grants and special events.

He holds designations for Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®), and the executive certificate in religious fundraising. Steve earned a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Temple University, a master’s degree from Grace Theological Seminary and a master’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix.


More News & Stories

Private pay care management services for Central Indiana older adults and family caregivers

Expanding Our Reach and Sustaining Impact with Private Pay Solutions

Our community is always changing, and so are the ways we support older adults and people with disabilities. We're seeing growing needs and limited resources, and it's clear that adapting is crucial for all of us involved in health and...
A smiling young woman helps her senior mother carry fresh groceries outside a store, exemplifying family care and support.

Are You a Caregiver? Why Recognizing Your Role Matters More Than You Think

Hi there, fellow caregivers! Today, I want to talk about something incredibly vital, yet often overlooked: identifying yourself as a caregiver. Caregiving often unfolds as a quiet journey, starting with small acts of kindness that slowly grow. It can be...
Older Woman Sitting On Bench Near Pond

Keeping Your Loved One Safe Around Water: Essential Tips for Caregivers

As the warmer seasons approach, so does our concern for water safety, especially for those caring for older adults, individuals living with dementia, and people with disabilities. Whether it's a backyard pool, a nearby retention pond, or even a community...