The Sarah Ralston Foundation

Stronger Together Nonprofit Learning Series: Needs Assessment Best Practices Understanding your community’s needs is a vital step in building impactful, equitable programs. The Sarah Ralston Foundation Nonprofit Partners are welcome to join us for the next session in our Stronger Together: Nonprofit Learning Series, where we’ll explore Needs Assessment Best Practices—from tried-and-true methods to fresh perspectives. This interactive session will feature three speakers with unique insights into how nonprofits can conduct effective assessments that uncover both needs and assets, engage the community, and guide strategic planning: Featured Panelists: John W. Chin – Executive Director, Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC) A longtime advocate and native of Chinatown, John will share real-world insights from the organization’s experience leading multiple needs assessments and how the findings have shaped long-term community development. Sarah Yeung – Founder & Principal, Sojourner Consulting With over 15 years of experience in planning, development, and policy advocacy, Sarah will discuss effective strategies for conducting needs assessments, community engagement, and applying findings in actionable ways. Therese Narzikul, MBA, MSN, CRNP, Healthcare Strategist A leader in healthcare systems and organizational change, Therese will offer an overview of asset-based assessment and planning—highlighting how identifying strengths alongside needs can transform both your process and your outcomes. There will be time for Q&A and networking, so bring your questions, challenges, and ideas. Whether you’re about to conduct your first needs assessment or want to refine your approach, this session offers practical tools and inspiration for strengthening your impact. RSVP is required to attend. Please email Claire Lynch at clynch@sarahralstonfoundation.org and indicate whether you’ll attend in person or virtually. (In-person attendance is encouraged.)

Connecting Nonprofit Partners: Stories of Collaboration At The Sarah Ralston Foundation, we believe that powerful change happens when nonprofits come together with a shared purpose. In our newest storytelling series, we’re highlighting three inspiring collaborations that show how partnerships can expand reach, strengthen services, and better support older adults and their communities across Philadelphia. https://lnkd.in/evhs8Xjd Empowering Aging in Place: The Home Strong Partnership Nonprofit partners UUH Outreach, Face to Face, and Urban Resources and Development Corp, along with Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry, are aligning services—legal, home repair, and social work—to help older adults remain safely and securely in their homes. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eSQNVbNF Threads of Support: A Cross-Community Collaboration to Help Familes in Need A conversation between Philadelphia Aging People in Prison Human Rights (APP/HRC) Campaign and the African Family Health Organization (AFAHO) sparked a partnership that brought essential clothing—and a sense of dignity—to newly arrived immigrant families. Read more https://lnkd.in/er8FVeUn From Surplus to Support: A Collaborative Effort to Feed Families in Need Northwest Mutual Aid Collective and Grand Central Kinship Care joined forces to bring nutritious food directly to families—bridging gaps with care, trust, and community education. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eAFqHTDf Explore the full series and discover how powerful collaboration can be: https://lnkd.in/evhs8Xjd

The Sarah Ralston Foundation (SRF) provides funding for nonprofit organizations that support vulnerable, underserved seniors throughout Philadelphia. These organizations focus on vital areas like food support, housing stability, advocacy, and programming for seniors. Programs such as technology training, peer counseling, and art classes are not only beneficial in their specific areas of focus but also provide essential opportunities for socialization—a key component of overall health and well-being. The Foundation’s nonprofit partners include organizations such as ARTZ Philadelphia, Generations Online, and Connectedly (formerly SOWN). While their approaches to combating loneliness and isolation differ, each plays a critical role in enriching the lives of the seniors they serve. “Programs for seniors, regardless of the purpose, offer the benefit of socialization,” said Heather Finnegan, Executive Director of The Sarah Ralston Foundation. “Any activity that gets our seniors out and interacting with others is good for their mental and often physical health. Even remote interactions over the phone or digital platforms help them feel connected. As we have learned, the alternative—loneliness and social isolation—is as harmful to our health as smoking.” Read more:

We are excited to share the March 2025 edition of The Sarah Ralston Foundation Newsletter! This month’s edition is packed with valuable resources, events, and opportunities from across our nonprofit partner network. Inside, you’ll find: * Spotlights on Council for Relationships, Caring for Friends, and Broad Street Love, showcasing their missions, leadership, greatest needs, and success stories. * Upcoming programs, open houses, clinics, and galas—many of which are open to all. * A wealth of resources from our 50 nonprofit partners, designed to support organizations, staff, and the communities they serve. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your support, engagement, and passion help drive the work we do!

The Sarah Ralston Foundation's Ongoing Commitment to DEIA The Sarah Ralston Foundation is proud to share our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) Commitment, developed in collaboration with our DEIA committee and ratified by our Board of Directors on February 13th, 2025. Our Commitment reaffirms DEIA as a cornerstone of SRF's work: "Rooted in our mission to support vulnerable and underserved older adults in Philadelphia County, the Sarah Ralston Foundation upholds diversity, equity, inclusion, and access as core values. We seek to cultivate a more equitable future by dismantling systemic inequities, promoting anti-ageist and anti-racist practices, and ensuring that all older adults—regardless of identity—have access to supportive programs and services. Through trust-based partnerships and community engagement, we are committed to fostering a society where all individuals can thrive with dignity." Heather Finnegan, Executive Director of the Sarah Ralston Foundation, emphasizes, "As we continue to expand our DEIA efforts, we recognize the importance of standing firmly with our grantee-partners who work tirelessly to create equitable access to care & resources for Philadelphia's Older Adults. This commitment is not just words on paper; it is an ongoing responsibility to challenge systemic barriers and advance justice." For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/eZ_PEeSz.

“Programs for seniors, regardless of the purpose, offer the benefit of socialization,” said Heather Finnegan, Executive Director of The Sarah Ralston Foundation. “Any activity that gets our seniors out and interacting with others is good for their mental and often physical health. Even remote interactions over the phone or digital platforms help them feel connected.” Loneliness and social isolation are as harmful to health as smoking, yet they remain a reality for many vulnerable seniors. At the Sarah Ralston Foundation, we're proud to support nonprofits that combat these challenges through innovative programs. In our latest article, we highlight the incredible work of ARTZ Philadelphia, Generations Online, and Connectedly. From art-centered dementia care to digital literacy tools and support networks for older women, these organizations are changing lives and creating connections that matter. Learn how these programs foster resilience and well-being. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eNjnFkVi

Exciting Updates from the Sarah Ralston Foundation We’re thrilled to share our January 2025 Newsletter, packed with highlights and stories that set the tone for a year of growth and impact. Here’s what you’ll find inside: 🔹 New Leadership: Meet our new Executive Director, Heather Finnegan, and welcome our newly appointed Board of Directors members who bring fresh perspectives and expertise to our mission. 🔹 2024 Impact Report: Reflect on the incredible strides we made last year, supporting innovative projects that empower vulnerable, underserved older adults across Philadelphia. 🔹 Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Learn about the impactful work of the Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation and how they’re improving lives in our community. 🔹 News & Events: Get the latest updates from several of our inspiring nonprofit partners who are making a real difference for elders in need. This newsletter is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. Together, we’re making lasting changes that empower older adults to thrive. 👉 https://lnkd.in/ehrqUUPz Thank you to our supporters, partners, and community members for being part of this journey. Let’s make 2025 another year of impact and progress!

Celebrating a Year of Growth, Change, and Impact As we reflect on another impactful year at The Sarah Ralston Foundation, we are proud to share our 2024 Impact Report, highlighting the incredible progress and partnerships that have driven our mission forward. Key Highlights from 2024: * Welcoming innovative new partners like Depaul USA, Philly House, and SEAMAAC to champion creative solutions for older adults. * Strengthening ongoing collaborations with trusted organizations such as ARTZ Philadelphia, Center in the Park, and SeniorLAW Center. * Hosting the successful “Advocacy in Action” event, emphasizing collaboration to address the needs of vulnerable older adults. This year also marks an important transition as we bid farewell to our esteemed Executive Director, Lynette Killen, and welcome Heather Finnegan to lead us into an exciting future. Lynette’s leadership has been transformational, and we are grateful for her dedication and vision. Explore the Full Impact Report: https://lnkd.in/eXMZQJpg Thank you to our nonprofit partners, supporters, and the incredible community that makes this work possible. Together, we’re building a brighter future for older adults across Philadelphia. 

Exciting News from the Sarah Ralston Foundation! We’re thrilled to announce that Heather Finnegan has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Sarah Ralston Foundation! With a deep passion for Aging Services and a proven track record of strategic leadership in philanthropy, Heather brings the experience and vision needed to advance our mission of supporting older adults in Philadelphia. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Lynette Killen, whose leadership helped shape SRF’s work and strengthen its impact. Learn more about Heather’s journey, her approach to trust-based philanthropy, and her vision for the future of SRF in our latest article: https://lnkd.in/emH_R_mm Join us in welcoming Heather and celebrating this exciting new chapter for SRF!

Honoring Service and Welcoming New Leadership The Sarah Ralston Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated leaders who share a deep passion for supporting older adults. Each member brings unique expertise and a commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change in Philadelphia. This year, we bid farewell to three remarkable board members: Randall Braunfeld, Anne Callan, and U. Tara Hayden. Their leadership and dedication have shaped the foundation’s direction and left a lasting legacy. While Randall steps down from the board, we are thrilled he will continue as a “community member,” supporting the Finance Committee. We also warmly welcome three new board members: Sarina Chernock, Alison Corter, and Jordan Muse, who bring fresh perspectives and a shared vision for empowering older adults. Their expertise in nonprofit leadership, strategic initiatives, and community partnerships will help drive the foundation’s mission forward. We extend our deepest gratitude to our departing members and look forward to the impact our new members will make. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable community for older adults in Philadelphia. Learn more about the Sarah Ralston Foundation Board of Directors: https://lnkd.in/e7e6dxEk