(Chelsea Update would like to thank Lisa French for the information in this story.)
The UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Board of Directors recently announced it has awarded its 2024 Community Grants, totaling $30,000, to four nonprofit organizations which serve older adults in Michigan communities where Brio Living Services has a presence.
These included the following awards:
$10,000 to the Chelsea Main Street Park Alliance
$5,000 to Dexter Senior Center
$7,500 to the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI
$7,500 to the Alzheimer’s Association—Greater Michigan Chapter, West Michigan Office, Grand Rapids, MI
“Each year, the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation Board determines what local nonprofits to support as part of our Community Grant program,” said Kelli Smith, president & CEO of UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation in a press release. “I am so proud to serve alongside these individuals who serve on our board and are committed to the needs of older adults in the communities where Brio has a presence. They recognize the vital work of local programs in providing care and comfort for older adults, whether it’s creating intergenerational outdoor spaces, providing support for care partners whose loved ones are living with dementia, or offering a nourishing meal and companionship for older adults. We are grateful to partner with these incredible organizations, providing much-needed resources to improve the lives of older adults in the communities we serve.”
Joe Ziolkowski, member of the Board of Directors of the Chelsea Main Street Park Alliance, said, “This grant from the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation will help develop an intergenerational park where community members of all ages and abilities can gather. While the park will feature many active spaces, it will be balanced with passive spaces that are restorative, yet close to the activity. In addition, the perimeter of the park will feature a quarter-mile, universally accessible walking loop. The early support of the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation will be instrumental in the success of the Main Street Park project.”
Abby Hurst, president of the Board for the Chelsea Main Street Park Alliance, agreed. “This generous gift will bring tremendous benefit to the community and enhance the quality of life for residents, their families, and visitors for years to come. This grant will help us expand vital recreational opportunities and further enhance the mental and physical well-being of our community.”
