Dear Friends,
Welcome to the first issue of Tufts Health Plan Foundation’s
Community Impact newsletter. We are
thrilled to launch our newsletter as we begin our third year of focusing on
healthy aging. Throughout the foundation’s history, our partners in the
community have provided us with great inspiration and knowledge. In our efforts
to advance the issue of healthy aging, it is essential that we all collaborate,
share ideas and discuss lessons learned. I hope that this newsletter serves as
a way for you to learn more about what we are doing as well as the work of
others in our communities.
I would like to take an opportunity to update you on the
foundation’s work. In 2011, the foundation awarded 76 grants totaling $2.8
million to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We are
proud of the great work being done by the organizations we support.
Our job, however, does not end with the checks we
issue in response to grant applications. We aim to lead in promoting a healthy
aging agenda and culture in the state.
For example, in collaboration with Metrowest Health Foundation, we launched ITN
GreaterBoston, an independent
transportation network that provides a cost effective, private-vehicle, quality
transportation service for seniors and adults with vision impairments. Whether
an older adult needs to get to the doctor, the airport or her grandchild’s
play, ITN
GreaterBoston can get her
there. ITN
GreaterBoston offered its first rides this month.
As another example of our broader efforts to promote
healthy aging, we are working with the National Council on Aging
in Washington, D.C., on a cross-sector partnership focused on building
sustainability for evidence-based healthy aging programs. And we are continuing to promote the goal of making Massachusetts
a model for healthy aging through our work with Brandeis University’s
Massachusetts Health Policy Forum. You’ll be hearing more about that work as
the year progresses.
During 2012 we will also continue our work to promote healthy aging
through intergenerational programs. We
are taking this program area to the next level by developing a youth
philanthropy initiative in which participating students
will learn about nonprofit management, philanthropy and community needs. The initiative will culminate with the
students engaging in a grant making process, undertaking site visits and funding
community organizations engaged in healthy aging programs.
There is much to come for the foundation as we embark on a
new year in grantmaking.
We look forward to another year of working with all
of you, and hope you enjoy reading our newsletter.
All the best,
David Abelman
President, Tufts Health Plan Foundation