How community connection—and one woman’s story—shine a light on what’s at stake
Across Marin County, older adults are struggling with meeting their basic needs more than ever before. Rising costs, reduced federal support, and increasing isolation are creating challenges that no one should have to navigate alone—especially not our older neighbors who have spent a lifetime contributing to our community.
At Vivalon, we see these challenges every day.
A Growing Need—and Shrinking Safety Nets
Many older adults in Marin live on fixed incomes, often at or below the poverty line. As housing, food, healthcare, and transportation costs continue to climb, these neighbors are forced to make heartbreaking choices—sometimes between paying rent, buying medication, or putting food on the table.
At the same time, proposed and anticipated reductions in programs like Meals on Wheels and SNAP threaten to deepen the crisis for thousands of older adults who rely on these essential lifelines.
Isolation adds another layer of difficulty for many. Loneliness among older adults is now recognized as a serious public health issue, increasing the risk of depression, cognitive decline, and even mortality. The need for reliable transportation, warm meals, and social connection is growing rapidly—and our community’s support has never been more important.
Why Vivalon Matters More Than Ever
Since the day he arrived, CEO Kaushik Roy has seen firsthand that what makes Vivalon remarkable isn’t just the services we provide—it’s the people behind them.
Our members.
Our volunteers.
Our staff.
And our community of supporters who show up with compassion and dignity every single day.
Together, we create a lifeline for older adults in Marin. And right now, that lifeline is being stretched in ways we’ve never experienced before.
Meet Ines: Finding Connection in a Time of Grief
One of the clearest examples of why this work matters is Ines.
When Ines lost her husband, the world around her felt suddenly quiet. Meals became solitary. Days felt long. Even leaving the house felt heavy. Like many older adults in Marin, she found herself grieving not just a partner, but the daily sense of connection that had defined her life for decades.
When she discovered Vivalon, something shifted.
She began joining classes and programs, slowly rebuilding a routine that brought joy back into her days. She made friends—people who remembered her name, asked how she was doing, and welcomed her with a smile. She found a community that gave her comfort, encouragement, and a renewed sense of belonging.
“I didn’t realize how much I needed this place until I found it,” she shared. “Vivalon gave me people to talk to, things to look forward to, and reasons to get out of the house again.”
Stories like Ines’ remind us that the services we provide—meals, rides, social gatherings, art workshops, wellness classes—are so much more than programs. They are lifelines made of human connection.
How Our Community Makes the Difference
Every year, community support helps Vivalon provide:
- More than 220,000 healthy meals delivered to homebound older adults
- 279,000 safe, reliable rides to healthcare, grocery stores, and essential appointments
- 60+ classes, workshops, and social programs each month to keep minds, bodies, and spirits active
- A welcoming community hub where older adults feel seen, valued, and connected
These are not luxuries—they are essentials. And they are only possible because of people like you who believe that no older adult should be hungry, isolated, or forgotten.
Looking Ahead with Hope
These are challenging times, but our community is strong. With continued support and collective compassion, we can make sure older adults across Marin receive the meals, rides, care, and connection they deserve.
As we move through the holiday season, we invite you to stay connected with Vivalon, share our mission with others, and help us spread awareness about the growing needs of our older neighbors.
Together, we can continue to bring comfort, joy, and meaningful support to thousands of older adults—just like Ines—who rely on our community every single day.
A Special Note About This Season of Giving
This time of year, many people ask how they can help support older adults in Marin who are facing hunger, isolation, or barriers to care. We’re grateful for that generosity—and this season, there is a unique opportunity to make an even greater impact.
A longtime Vivalon supporter has offered to match all gifts made to Vivalon, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. That means any contribution—large or small—will go twice as far in providing meals, rides, wellness programs, and joyful moments of connection for older adults in our community.
A $50 gift becomes $100.
A $100 gift becomes $200.
And every dollar helps ensure no older adult is left hungry, isolated, or forgotten.
You can donate here today. We’re deeply grateful for the kindness that makes this work possible every single day.
