NORTH COAST, Calif. – Community Care Corps is announcing the grantees of a new and unprecedented program to help older adults, persons with disabilities, and family caregivers.

The program will help countless people and will have a lasting impact not just on the families and individuals served, but also on those who serve their community as volunteers.

Community Care Corps is granting $2.44 million to 23 innovative local programs nationwide.

One hundred eighty-three organizations from 45 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico applied for funds for their programs totaling more than $23 million.

The 23 deserving organizations selected serve a blend of urban, suburban, rural, frontier, and Tribal communities across the U.S.

Among the grantees is North Coast Opportunities, which serves Lake and Mendocino counties.

Its model will use volunteer companions to provide social contact and nourishing meals for frail and/or socially isolated older adults who are having difficulty maintaining their independence.

The overall model’s goals are to decrease self-reported social isolation, increase health and wellbeing, and increase reported ability to live independently.

NCO’s model builds on four existing NCO programs: Caring Kitchen, Redwood Caregiver Resource Center, Emergency Preparedness in Communities and the Volunteer Network.

Tens of millions of Americans are in critical need of nonmedical assistance to continue living in their homes. Many also need companionship to avert the devastating effects of isolation. Volunteer support is vital for individuals to maintain the ability to live independently and stay connected within their communities.

Some of the volunteer services offered include transportation, respite care, shopping, errands, and home maintenance. Many of the organizations also provide support with technology, empowering individuals to stay connected to family, friends, medical providers, and other community and faith-based organizations.

The Community Care Corps, in a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, is a partnership of four national non-profit organizations: The Oasis Institute, Caregiver Action Network, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Altarum.

“In this era of great need and rising challenges for frail older adults, people with disabilities, and their families, interest in and response to this new program has been absolutely overwhelming across the country,” said Paul Weiss, president of The Oasis Institute.

“We are proud to implement the brand-new National Volunteer Care Corps and make Community Care Corps grants in this first year of the program,” said John Schall, CEO of Caregiver Action Network. “There is no question that there is a tremendous need for local nonmedical volunteer assistance for seniors, people with disabilities, and family caregivers – especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

For a full listing of Community Care Corps grant recipients and their programs, visit www.CommunityCareCorps.org .