Senior Foundation of MI Seeks Partner to Boost Services

A fund-raising group, with its finger on the pulse of local senior citizen needs for 10 years, is offering seed money to other non-profit programs to bring more services to Islanders age 55 and older.

The , a private non-profit  501(C-3) charity led by eight board members, calls for grant applications by April 30 in the range of $500-4,000.  New projects or on-going programs should meet the needs of local seniors’ health, safety or well-being.

Seniors are a growing segment of the Island’s 22,699 residents. The population of Mercer Island age 55 and older is nearly 6,000, according to the 2010 census, and the median age is 46 — one of the oldest in the state.

Past grants helped provide such things as food vouchers, research, a survey, caregiving and respite support, equipment for exercise, amplification systems, van transportation, housing assistance, health programs, senior social daycare, senior emergency preparedness kits, and more. The foundation has given a combined $43,000 to more than 25 agencies over its 10 years.

“We couldn’t have had all the extras for our senior social program, had it not been for the Senior Foundation,” said Leslie Sylvetsky, who oversees the MI Parks and Rec daycare program at the Tuesdays and Thursdays.  “With foundation support, we have been able to have massage and special craft projects.” Senior scholarships also have been offered in the past.

Betsy Zuber, geriatric specialist who oversees senior outreach for the city, received a foundation grant to help create a Caregiver Resource Corner at the Luther Burbank Park building.  The informational flyers and books have proven especially useful to those who hadn’t expected to find themselves in that role.

SFMI also rallies volunteers and informative events such as the biennial Senior Resource Fair, with vendors, info booths and breakout sessions; plus other fund-raisers and forums, such as the March 21 fund-raiser at Island Books, 6:30-8:30 p.m. and “Soldiers in Petticoats “historical lecture at 1 p.m. May 12 at the Congregational Church.  Board members also are available to speak to community groups.

“We think one of the biggest needs of our seniors is to let them know that help is available,” said  Alanna Burdell, foundation chair. “Our goals this year are to identify and reach out to more seniors in need, increase and better utilize volunteers, partner with other community groups, and help launch or strengthen more community-based nonprofit programs for seniors.  We especially want to hear the ideas of these groups and individuals through the grant request process in April.”

Proposals may be directed to the Senior Foundation of Mercer Island, PO Box 51, Mercer Island, WA 98040, 206-232-4597.