CEO, Aging True
Mission
Formerly known as Cathedral Foundation of Jacksonville and Urban Jacksonville, Aging True is the largest and oldest nonprofit serving Northeast Florida seniors and has just completed a total rebranding. Aging True is a nonprofit, charitable organization enabling home-based senior independence in Northeast Florida. Its mission is to provide essential and innovative services and care for individuals, families and communities throughout Northeast Florida to prepare for and support graceful aging.
Serving Jacksonville
Founded in 1962 in Jacksonville.
Those served
Aging True services reach more than 6,000 Northeast Florida seniors each year.
Biggest challenge
Working in a nonprofit environment presents some special challenges. Funding, of course, is an ever-present challenge, but especially so in difficult economic times like these. In addition, our organization’s target population continues to increase dramatically with the aging of the baby boomer generation. Therefore, we must be even more conscientious and innovative with every dollar the organization receives.
Biggest satisfaction
For me, developing new resources, approaches and solutions for seniors is an exciting, satisfying aspect of our work. We‘ve always been an organization that has attempted to innovate as we serve, which has helped us to grow and have success. More importantly, it has allowed us to give frail seniors the kind of care they want and need.
Hometown
I’m originally from Charleston, W. Va., but my family and I have lived in Jacksonville for 28 years –– long enough to feel like it’s home.
First experience with community service
I grew up volunteering and working with children and seniors through my church and the Girl Scouts, and I knew at a very young age that I wanted to work to help people. I went to college to become a teacher, but my first job after college was as a protective services worker for what was then called the Department of Welfare. It was there I decided to work with disadvantaged individuals.
Your job before Aging True
I have been with Aging True for almost 28 years. Before that I worked for Braley and Thompson Inc., a West Virginia organization that provides therapeutic foster care to children and vulnerable adults in need. The organization had received funds for a program to de-institutionalize developmentally disabled older adults who had been inappropriately placed in facilities for the mentally ill. The program successfully provided the additional support these individuals needed to live independently. While working there I became passionate about the importance of community options and home care for frail people, especially seniors.
Upcoming events
Our organization just launched our new name, brand image and website: Aging True. We believe the new name clarifies our organization’s purpose and will make it easier for seniors, caregivers and family members who need help to find us.
Also we have started preparing for our 50th anniversary in 2012. We are planning to celebrate the anniversary with a major fundraising event in spring or early summer.
Individuals interested in supporting Aging True can visit our website or call to learn more about the volunteer opportunities with our many senior-focused programs, such as Meals On Wheels.
Contact information
www.AgingTrue.org
4250 Lakeside Drive, Suite 116
Jacksonville, FL 32210
807-1203
[email protected]