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Grantee Spotlight: Peninsula Agency on Aging Links Older Adults to Services

Dec 2, 2024 | News, Spotlight

Grantee Spotlight: Peninsula Agency on Aging Links Older Adults to Services

By: WHF Staff

For most older adults, an important goal as they age is to continue living independently in their own homes. With the support of Peninsula Agency on Aging (PAA), nearly 8,400 older adults on the Peninsula can enjoy aging in place. Through collaborations with a broad network of local agencies, PAA offers services that address older adults’ diverse needs — including assisting with transportation to medical appointments, improving access to nutritious meals, care coordination, care support, and veterans’ services. For the past fifty years, PAA’s services have enhanced quality of life, fostered independence, and reduced social isolation in older adults.

Founded in 1974, PAA was born out of a desire to enhance the well-being of older adults on the Peninsula by linking them to services designed to empower, nurture, and sustain independence. Fifty years later, PAA remains a trusted community resource, connecting older adults, aged 60 and over, to services that support every aspect of healthy aging.

In 2023, with support from Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) grants, PAA served 1,372 older adults — including 26,812 service encounters — in Greater Williamsburg, and the need for services is expected to grow. Research from WHF projects nearly one-third of the population will be over age 60 by 2030. This demographic shift underlines the importance and need for PAA’s programs and services, which provide evidence-based, community-focused support for healthy aging.

WHF is a longtime supporter of PAA’s work, having awarded 66 grants totaling nearly $5.2 million since 1998 to help advance their mission to support independence and quality of life for older adults. Current WHF grants focus on providing nutritious noontime meals, non-emergency medical transportation, assessments, home visits, and care coordination for older adults. By providing essential resources and services, PAA upholds a commitment to helping older adults across the community stay healthy, independent, and engaged and creates healthy aging opportunities in our community. To learn out more about PAA’s programs and services, visit their website: https://paainc.org/.

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The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) is a private health foundation with the mission to collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg. The Foundation was established in September 1996 when the Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara developed an affiliation agreement and later merged. This agreement included a provision for a new, locally organized, and managed Foundation to benefit community health. Since inception, WHF has awarded over $110 million in grants to improve community health and well-being.

Grant Spotlight: New Community Fitness Court Adds Opportunities for Exercise in Greater Williamsburg

Nov 11, 2024 | Grantee Spotlight, News

Grantee Spotlight: New Community Fitness Court Adds Opportunities for Exercise in Greater Williamsburg

By: WHF Staff

Greater Williamsburg residents and visitors now have access to a new, state-of-the-art outdoor Fitness Court located in the Warhill Complex in James City County. Designed for people aged 14 and up, the Fitness Court provides free access to exercise equipment, offering users a full-body workout in less than 10 minutes. Court users can access a library of workout content tailored to their fitness level by scanning the QR code on the court or downloading the Fitness Court App.

Research shows that improving the built environment by increasing accessible physical exercise space contributes to community health by encouraging more people to become and remain physically active — potentially reducing obesity rates and improving overall health and well-being. For example, adults with access to recreational facilities are 42% more likely to meet the American Health Association’s Physical Activity Guidelines than those without access. Yet, for many underserved populations, cost can be a barrier. The new Fitness Court addresses this potential obstacle by offering free access so everyone who lives, works, and plays in the community has the opportunity to be physically active.

The Williamsburg Health Foundation is pleased to highlight this new community resource, an evidence-based approach to promoting active living. Access to the free high-quality Fitness Court removes a barrier to physical fitness and increases opportunities to be healthier in Greater Williamsburg.

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The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) is a private health foundation with the mission to collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg. The Foundation was established in September 1996 when the Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara developed an affiliation agreement and later merged. This agreement included a provision for a new, locally organized, and managed Foundation to benefit community health. Since inception, WHF has awarded over $110 million in grants to improve community health and well-being.

Williamsburg Health Foundation Hosts Grantee Celebration and Premieres New Video Highlighting Community Difference Makers

Oct 21, 2024 | News

Williamsburg Health Foundation Hosts Grantee Celebration and Premieres New Video Highlighting Community Difference Makers

By

WHF Staff

The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) recently hosted a Grantee Celebration Reception that brought together leaders and representatives from 45 local nonprofit and government organizations funded by the Foundation. The event celebrated the collective difference these organizations make to improve health and well-being in the Greater Williamsburg area.

“This celebration was a way for us to express our sincere gratitude to our grantees for their enduring commitment to improving health across the lifespan,” said Deanna Van Hersh, President and CEO of WHF. “Together, our community partners provided healthy eating and active living programs; two-generation family services; healthy aging initiatives; behavioral health support; and comprehensive health care. Through their efforts, they served about 54,000 total individuals, resulting in nearly 780,000 touchpoints — meals, rides, prescriptions, support services and other activities — for those living in the Greater Williamsburg area. While we recognize some individuals may have received services from more than one organization receiving WHF funds, seeing the impact across our community is inspiring!”

As part of the celebration, WHF premiered a new video, “Williamsburg Health Foundation Celebrates the Difference Makers,” which visually captures how the programs and activities of these diverse organizations touch the lives of those who live, work, and play in Greater Williamsburg.

According to Van Hersh, “This video highlights the meaningful difference being made in our community to improve health and well-being at every stage of life while celebrating some of the many people spearheading this important work and whose daily efforts, commitment, and collaboration propel this community toward one which provides the opportunity for all to attain their fullest health potential.”

For more information on the WHF, visit williamsburghealthfoundation.org.

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The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) is a private health foundation with the mission to collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg. The Foundation was established in September 1996 when the Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara developed an affiliation agreement and later merged. This agreement included a provision for a new, locally organized, and managed Foundation to benefit community health. Since inception, WHF has awarded over $110 million in grants to improve community health and well-being.

Organization Name	Project Title	Program Description	Board Approved Amount
Grants for Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL)
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula	EatSMART at the James City County Boys & Girls Club	To provide nutritious, hot meals and snacks and provide nutrition education to Williamsburg and James City County youth in the Boys & Girls Club.	$10,000.00
Colonial Court Appointed Special Advocate Program	Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) at Colonial CASA	To provide healthy eating and active living programming to participants in Colonial CASA’s youth mentoring program.	$10,500.00
Grove Christian Outreach Center	Fresh Food Room and Food Pantry	To provide nutritional fresh foods and nonperishable pantry goods to low-income families in the Greater Williamsburg area.	$20,000.00
Williamsburg House of Mercy, Inc.	WHOM Collect or Give	To purchase an outdoor temperature-controlled locker system for food donations by community partners and collection by clients.	$65,000.00
Williamsburg-James City County Community Action Agency	Healthy Families of Greater Williamsburg (HFGW)	To establish a database to help local community organizations more efficiently meet children’s food needs when they are not in school.	$22,500.00
Williamsburg-James City County Public School Division	School Health Initiative Program (SHIP)	To provide a health and wellness program focused on promoting and supporting healthy eating, physical activity, and wellness at all 16 WJCCPS.	$770,000.00
Grants to Support Two-Generation Family Services
Child Development Resources	Basic Operating Support	To support very young children and their families through home-visiting programs, childcare centers, comprehensive motherhood services, and developmental assessments.	$237,000.00
City of Williamsburg	Child Health Initiative	To support an innovative, two-generation human service program that aims to improve long-term health outcomes for children living in poverty.	$283,500.00
James City County	Child Health Initiative	To support an innovative, two-generation human service program that aims to improve long-term health outcomes for children living in poverty.	$283,500.00
Grants for Healthy Aging
FREE Foundation For Rehabilitation Equipment & Endowment	F.R.E.E. of Williamsburg	To collect and distribute gently used rehabilitation and mobility equipment to those in need.	$30,000.00
Peninsula Agency on Aging	PAA Williamsburg	To conduct assessments and home visits; arrange for subsidized in-home care and adult daycare; provide care coordination for frail older adults; and provide information, referral, and support to caregivers.	$84,000.00
Williamsburg Area Faith in Action	All Transportation	To provide free transportation for frail older adults in Greater Williamsburg.	$50,000.00
Grants for Behavioral Health Services
Center for Child and Family Services, Inc.	Multicultural Counseling and Outreach Program (MCOP)	To provide behavioral health services for the uninsured or underinsured with emphasis upon the multicultural communities.	$70,000.00
Comfort Zone Camp	CZC Weekend Camp in Jamestown	To assist in providing a weekend camp in James City County for grieving children.	$10,000.00
The College of William & Mary, The Flanagan Counselor Education Clinic	Play to Thrive	To provide a school-based play therapy program designed to improve social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes among young children.	$95,000.00
Virginia Health Care Foundation	Boost 200 Program	To support the licensure of two behavioral health counselors and one licensed social worker in the City of Williamsburg and James City County.	$50,000.00
Grants for Integrated Care
Gloucester Mathews Care Clinic	Chronic Care Collaborative	To provide healthcare to uninsured and under-insured adults diagnosed with one or more chronic diseases through an integrated model which includes primary, oral, and behavioral care.	$300,000.00
Lackey Clinic	Chronic Care Collaborative	To support the care model for Lackey Clinic’s (LC) uninsured, chronically-ill patients and reduce progression of diseases through treatment and monitoring of clinical outcomes.	$500,000.00
Olde Towne Medical & Dental Center	Basic Operating Support	For clinic operations and delivery of comprehensive healthcare services.	$500,000.00
Olde Towne Medical & Dental Center	Chronic Care Collaborative	To improve care for patients with chronic illness through service delivery that includes primary, behavioral, and oral care.	$400,000.00
Rx Partnership	Basic Operating Support	To coordinate delivery of brand name and generic medication to Gloucester Mathews Care Clinic (GMCC), Lackey Clinic (LC), and Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center (OTMDC) and continue providing subject matter expertise.	$66,000.00
Virginia Health Care Foundation	Greater Williamsburg Medication Assistance Program	To provide administrative support to the Greater Williamsburg Medication Assistance Program (GWMAP) which helps uninsured and underinsured chronically-ill patients obtain prescription medications free of charge or at the lowest price available.	$47,000.00
Other Grants
Literacy for Life at the Rita Welsh Adult Learning Center	The HEAL Program	To provide health literacy classes to adults with low health literate skills.	$10,000.00
			$3,914,000.00

Grantee Spotlight: Bacon Street Helps Build Resilience and Stronger Families

Oct 2, 2024 | Blog, Grantee Spotlight, News, Uncategorized

Grantee Spotlight: Bacon Street Helps Build Resilience and Stronger Families

By: WHF Staff

Bacon Street Youth and Family Services, founded in 1971 as the Drug Action Center, has been a trusted resource for substance use prevention and treatment for youth and their families in the Williamsburg area for over five decades. Established in an office on Bacon Avenue in Williamsburg by a group of concerned citizens, the center aimed to create a safe, drug-free environment for youth to gather after school. Over time, the youth who found support there began to affectionately refer to the center as Bacon Street. In 2015, the organization officially adopted the name Bacon Street Youth and Family Services to reflect their history and broader mission of supporting youth and families.

Today, Bacon Street serves youth, primarily aged 10-26, and their families offering mental health and substance use counseling, social work case management for unhoused families, and free collaborative prevention programs for schools and the community. With an emphasis on building long-term relationships, Bacon Street ensures families receive support when needed.

The demand for Bacon Street’s services remains high, highlighting the importance of their work. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 18.1% of youth aged 12-17 years and 17.5% of young adults aged 18-25 had a major depressive disorder within the past year. Additionally, an estimated 7.2% of youth and over 26% of young adults used illicit drugs in the past month. In fiscal year 2023, Bacon Street served 368 counseling clients with nearly 3,100 counseling appointments, a substantial increase from their pre-pandemic numbers. Given these challenges, Bacon Street’s work to provide support and resources remains essential, ensuring that families and youth in our community have timely access to care.

The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) has been a long-time supporter of Bacon Street, having awarded 32 grants since 1997 to help advance their mission. WHF recognizes Bacon Street’s commitment to supporting families and building resilience in youth through evidence-based behavioral health and substance use services is as important today as it was 50 years ago.

To learn more about Bacon Street Youth and Family Services, their programs, and how they are making a difference in the lives of youth and families in our community explore their website: https://baconstreet.org/.

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The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) is a private health foundation with the mission to collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg. The Foundation was established in September 1996 when the Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara developed an affiliation agreement and later merged. This agreement included a provision for a new, locally organized, and managed Foundation to benefit community health. Since inception, WHF has awarded over $110 million in grants to improve community health and well-being.

Grantee Spotlight – The Arc of Greater Williamsburg Improves Quality of Life

Sep 3, 2024 | Blog, Grantee Spotlight, News

Grantee Spotlight – The Arc of Greater Williamsburg Improves Quality of Life

By: WHF Staff

The Arc of Greater Williamsburg has served adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community since 1976. When young adults with disabilities age out of public school at age 22, they often find a gap in services. Through their many programs and activities, The Arc aims to reduce this gap and enhance the quality of life for their clients in the Greater Williamsburg Area. These activities include educational, health and wellness, life skills, cultural, social, and recreational enrichment programs to help clients reinforce their existing skills and acquire new ones. The Arc also provides clients with door-to-door transportation to their programs, which makes participation possible and provides caregivers a respite.

The Williamsburg Health Foundation supports The Arc’s Fitness Program, which plays an important role in maintaining and improving clients’ health and well-being. Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are less likely to engage in physical activity and spend more time being sedentary than those without intellectual disabilities. This physical inactivity leads to higher rates of obesity and diabetes when compared to the general population. The Arc’s Fitness Program reduces barriers to engaging in physical activity by providing a 90-minute weekly fitness and wellness class, where clients receive round-trip transportation to and from their homes. In 2023, The Arc provided 1,422 hours of fitness classes to 179 residents of Greater Williamsburg, and they anticipate numbers will remain consistent this year.

To learn more about The Arc of Greater Williamsburg’s programs to improve the quality of life for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, please visit their website.

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The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) is a private health foundation with the mission to collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg. The Foundation was established in September 1996 when the Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara developed an affiliation agreement and later merged. This agreement included a provision for a new, locally organized, and managed Foundation to benefit community health. Since inception, WHF has awarded over $110 million in grants to improve community health and well-being.