What makes Vivalon unique isn’t just what we do — it’s the way connection transforms lives. A meal becomes a friendship. A ride becomes reassurance. A class becomes a circle of belonging. The following stories show how simple acts of care can create extraordinary impact.

“It’s not just ‘here’s your bag of food’ — it’s a friendship…a heck of a lot more than delivering a bag of groceries to my door.”

RUTH — Meals on Wheels Client and Vivalon Member

Ruth, a retired teacher of 50 years, found more than meals when she and her late husband began receiving Meals on Wheels. Now more physically fragile, she describes the program as a vital “safety net” as she receives reliable nourishment paired with caring people who check in. “It’s not just ‘here’s your bag of food.’ It’s a friendship. The food and the people… it’s a win/win! You can’t beat it.” Ruth also thrives at Vivalon classes, where instructors know her by name and a new circle of friends helped her accept her widowhood with grace. Ruth says Vivalon brings pride to San Rafael. “It’s a very human organization. It’s very special.”

GERRY — Vivalon Volunteer

A San Francisco native who moved to Marin “for the sunshine,” Gerry spent 33 years serving as a firefighter. After retiring, Gerry felt called back to service and joined Vivalon as a Meals on Wheels volunteer. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, he delivers more than meals — he brings connection. “Some folks wait outside just to say hello,” he says…“They tell me I made their day, which makes my day.” Gerry credits program manager Erika Vaughn for leading with heart and efficiency, and loves the vibrant community and caring spirit at Vivalon. “I can’t see anything better coming along. I plan on staying with Vivalon for a long time.”

“There really is good out there, and Vivalon is proof of it.”

“I love it more than any other job I’ve had.”

DEE — Vivalon Rides Driver

Each morning, Dee lights up as she greets her regular riders by name and helps them settle in for the trip to their day program. “I look forward to coming to work every day. I love getting to know my clients, and they’re excited to see me when they get on the bus.” In the afternoon, Dee supports other clients with rides to medical appointments, then brings her morning group safely home. A seasoned professional driver, Dee says Vivalon is her favorite driving job because management is supportive and understanding, and her coworkers are warm, welcoming, and truly family oriented. She appreciates the specialized training she receives, but what means the most is feeling seen, valued, and part of something that matters.

Thank you for fueling Vivalon’s mission. Your generosity delivers nutritious meals, safe rides, transformational classes, and caring support that help older adults in Marin stay healthy, connected, and independent.

Monthly donors, first-time givers, longtime supporters, and those who give in honor or memory — you are all part of this circle of care. We’re honored by your trust and deeply grateful for every gift.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: MARK YUAN

After retiring from a career in IT, Mark Yuan was looking for meaningful ways to give back. He applied to be a Vivalon driver after spotting a sign on one of our vans and soon became a friendly, familiar face—helping older adults and people with disabilities get to work, medical appointments, and community programs.

When the pandemic hit, Mark paused driving to protect his parents but continued supporting Vivalon. “I started donating monthly…and kept giving because I wanted to support the mission,” he says. Today, he’s a proud member of our Supper Club of monthly givers.

Now a Vivalon member himself, Mark enjoys the Café and the sense of community that Vivalon provides. “Independence, dignity, and fun make life worth living,” he says. “Your support—time or money—creates opportunities for so many.”

We had great conversations every morning and I always looked forward to seeing him.

A BIG THANK YOU TO THESE GENEROUS DONORS WHO GAVE $10K+

AARP — OATS Older Adults Technology
Services – Senior Planet
Anonymous (4 families)
Robert H. Beadle
Allan & Sydne Bortel
Phillip & Peggy Ann Bortolussi
The Buck Family Fund
Donna R. Casella
CityBridge Laguna Honda
The Walt Disney Company
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Etemadfar
The Eucalyptus Foundation
Greg & Joanne Giffra
Charles & Barbara Goodman Foundation
The Kenneth & Joan Gosliner Foundation
Harbor Point Charitable Foundation

Muriel M. Harris
Heffernan Foundation
J. Patrick & Frankie Hunt
Kaiser Permanente
In memory of Cecelia Brogan Kudlick
Lakeview Foundation
Salamah Locks
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Nancy Lumer
Marin County Community Development Agency
Marin Community Foundation
MarinHealth Medical Center
Marin Sanitary Service
The McBurney Foundation
Stephen & Mary Mizroch
Mowbray Family Charitable Fund
Mike & Leslie Murphy
Nugget Markets

Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Oken
Carla Overberger
Sudha Pennathur & Edward Messerly
The Norman Raab Foundation
Rayner Foundation
Douglas Reilly & Rose Estrada
Rosenberger Family Fund
Dennis & Becca Ryan
Stacy Scott Catering
Alan & Ellyn Seelenfreund
Alice Shaver Foundation
Vickie Soulier Foundation
William & Linda Tichy
Trainor Pero Family
United Way Bay Area
Myrtle R. Watson Fund
Brenda K. Wood

REACH

PEOPLE SERVED THIS YEAR

3,621

AT THE HEALTHY

AGING CAMPUS

774

MEALS ON WHEELS & NOURISH MEALS

3,207

TRANSPORTATION CLIENTS

909

MEMBERS

PROGRAMS

160%

INCREASE IN PROGRAMS OFFERED

The Healthy Aging
Campus has more
than doubled its
offerings in just
one year, reflecting
the growing demand
for connection and
wellness.

160%

INCREASE IN PROGRAMS OFFERED

The Healthy Aging Campus has more than doubled its offerings in just one year, reflecting the growing demand for connection and wellness.

TRANSPORTATION

Because of you, thousands reached medial care grocery stores, and community events.

279,478

RIDES PROVIDED

2,000

CAREPOOL TRIPS BY 40 VOLUNTEER DRIVERS

6,200

MEDICAL RIDES

MEALS & NUTRITION

More than food — independence, dignity, and health.

123,613

MEALS ON WHEELS & NOURISH MEALS

100,078

BROWN BAG PANTRY

12,490

CAFÉ MEALS

25,592

PET MEALS DELIVERED

HEATH & WELLNESS

90%

SURVEYED FALLS PREVENTION PARTICIPANTS FEEL MORE CONFIENT LIVING INDEPENDENTLY

100%

SURVEYED NOURISH CLIENTS SAY MEALS IMPROVED HEALTH & REDUCED FOOD INSECURTY

91%

SURVEYED DIGITAL LITERACY PARTICIPANTS REPORT IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE

VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT

281

VOLUNTEERS

21,186

VOLUNTEER HOURS

DONOR & SUPPORTER IMPACT

REAL PEOPLE, REAL IMPACT

“A dear student suffered a stroke that took her balance, her speech, and her strength, but not her will. She joined Vivalon’s chair yoga on Zoom and, step by baby step, rebuilt her body and confidence. Five years later, she is living the life she loved before the stroke. She credits our yoga practice as a cornerstone of her recovery.” — Jane Rivera, Vivalon yoga instructor

What We Can Do Together
At Vivalon, we believe aging should be defined by dignity, connection, and opportunity; not isolation. As we look to 2026, our
vision is bold but clear: a Marin where every older adult has the support and connection to live fully and independently.

A Shared Responsibility
Aging touches every family, every neighborhood, every community. By working together, we can make sure dignity, connection, and care are within reach for everyone — not just today, but for generations to come.

What You Can Help Make Possible
With your partnership, we can:

Ensure every meal delivered is also a message of care.
Provide safe rides that mean independence for thousands.
Create opportunities for connection that combat loneliness.
Strengthen a community where compassion is our shared value.

Our Goals for 2026

Expand our reach
to even more
people with classes,
connection and care.

Provide 250,000+
healthy meals to
nourish bodies
and reduce food
insecurity.

Deliver 300,000
rides, ensuring safe
access to healthcare,
groceries, and
community life.

Grow our volunteer
network so no
neighbor has to face
aging alone.

“I constantly pray for the people who support Vivalon, and thank them. I want all the blessings that they have given to me and others to be available for generations, because I have never seen anything like this. Vivalon is a blessing to me and to the world.”
— Valeria, Vivalon Falls Prevention Program participant

With your help, we can build a future where aging is celebrated and supported.