Join the Celebration
In June 1973, the SDSU School of Social Work conducted a study to identify challenges faced by seniors in San Diego’s downtown area. It was apparent that isolation was a critical barrier for many whose wish was simple–to live independently and with dignity in their own homes. A mission was born, and an agency formed to meet the needs of these aging adults. 50 years later, ElderHelp continues to meet those needs.
YOU can join the celebration! YOU can frame ElderHelp’s future. YOU can make a difference in the lives of seniors. Click here to gift a lasting legacy and help support seniors for the next 50 years.
Thank you to our 50th Anniversary Premier Partners
Bonnie Baumgartner
Deb & Dave Aberizk
Mirandon Foundation for Hope
Nicole Darling
Helmstetter Family Foundation
Through the Years…
1973
SDSU School of Social Work conducts a needs assessment among elderly living in San Diego’s Mid City.
1974
Mid-City Senior Enterprises, a community-based organization is formed and receives its 501(c)3 designation.
1980s
With a church basement as its home, a handful of concerned citizens and many volunteers implement programs to meet the needs of struggling seniors.
1991
Mid-City Senior Enterprises becomes ElderHelp of San Diego to more clearly reflect its service offerings.
2000
With no strict eligibility criteria such as income, race, religion or health status, ElderHelp’s reputation grows as an agency that will help any senior in need.
2005
ElderHelp attracts attention throughout San Diego, playing an integral role in the spectrum of government, healthcare, and community based services.
2015
Adding in support for Employed Family Caregivers, ElderHelp provides innovative solutions to modern-day problems.
2020
Covid-19 disrupts the model, but not the mission. Volunteers and staff step up to meet a 773% increase in service requests.
ElderHelp Today
With a staff of 30 and a volunteer team of 350+ ElderHelp serves nearly 7,000 seniors and their families each year.
Join the 50 for 50 Club!
50 FOR 50 GIFTS
In honor of ElderHelp’s 50th Anniversary, we’re asking 50 investors to donate $500, $5,000, or $50,000. Your gift funds a future where all seniors have access to healthcare, affordable housing, and resources to meet their basic daily needs.
50 FOR 50 MOMENTS
We’re collecting 50 MILESTONE MOMENTS! Do you have a special client or volunteer story? Attend a memorable ElderHelp event? Submit your stories and photos. We’ll share throughout the year!
50 FOR 50 VOLUNTEERS
Become or refer one of the first 50 NEW volunteers to join our team and receive a special ElderHelp gift. (Now through June 30, 2024.) Click the button below to learn more.
50th Anniversary Distinguished Committee
“We’re so grateful for visionary leaders who have brought us to this point. Without Advisory Board members like Judy & Yale Combs, Cindi Hill, and the late Tex Cornwell, ElderHelp would not be where it is today. They believed our model, built on dedicated volunteers who value aging adults, would strengthen all of San Diego. They were right. As we launch the next half decade, they continue to guide us as advocates, volunteers, and philanthropists. We couldn’t be more grateful.” – Deb Martin, CEO and Executive Director of ElderHelp.
Judy Combs, Co-Chair
Cindi Hill, Co-Chair
Barbara Brown
Bonnie Baumgartner
Nicole Darling
Janie Davis
Karen Krusen
Michelle Mirandon
Mimi & Mike Murray
ElderHelp by the Numbers
Seniors supported
Years in San Diego
Volunteer hours
Upcoming ElderHelp Events
ElderHelp 50th Anniversary Proclamation and Delivery of Ceremonial Client Gift – Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Who: San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria (requested) to deliver a ceremonial gift to honor an ElderHelp client and present a proclamation about ElderHelp’s 50 anniversary. Other dignitaries will include ElderHelp CEO Deborah Martin and ElderHelp board members.
What: photo opportunity with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria delivering a ceremonial gift to a ElderHelp client at their home.
When: Tuesday, April 30 (time TBD based on Mayor’s availability)
Where: outside a home of an ElderHelp client
Why: The gift is a handmade artisan pot full of lush succulents, a plant known to symbolize endurance and resiliency, characteristics often found in ElderHelp’s clients, staff and volunteers.
For more information: Sarah Benson, Director of Philanthropy at sbenson@elderhelpofsandiego.org or 619-241-8563