OLEAN — The Enchanted Mountains Village (EMVi) has garnered two grants to ensure sustainability and expand its ability to support its members with services and programs to assist older adults to age well at home.
While an initial $25,000 grant comes from an anonymous benefactor, this spring EMVi was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.
“The personal grant and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds will make a huge difference to this village of people who have joined together to form a supportive community that looks out for each other,” said Linda Matthews, Board of Directors chair. “We are so grateful for the grants we received that will enable us to hire a half-time director and continue to strengthen the assistance to our members so that they can remain active and in the homes that they enjoy.”
The Ralph Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds were established at the Community Foundation to provide support to four areas that were important to Mr. Wilson: caregivers, community assets, design and access, and youth sports. Endowment funds, like those created to honor Wilson, are designed to grow over time and provide funding for charitable causes according to a client’s wishes.
At EMVi, the grants will be used to engage the services of a half-time executive director who will advance the Village’s mission to foster connections to other members, community resources, informational and social activities, and encourage the development of a vibrant, involved and mutually supportive community.
Until now, EMVi has operated with a strong leadership commitment from its Board of Directors, and the services of a volunteer executive director and a part-time administrative assistant.
“It has been a privilege and joy to be a member of EMVi and watch its growth,” said Matthews. “Making friends, socializing, helping with a meal when someone is sick, providing a ride to the doctor when someone can’t drive are things that can mean so much to the quality of life for our members.”
EMVi is a one-stop source that connects its members with what they need to live fully and safely while being able to remain at home. EMVi welcomes members 55 and older as well as volunteers and business members of any age.
For more information on the Enchanted Mountains Village and the executive director position, go to www.enchantedmountainsvillage.org or call (585) 379-0062.
Source: https://www.oleantimesherald.com/
