2008 AARP Foundation Annual Report

 

Real Relief

 

Many families, including those who were reasonably secure financially a year ago, are now in fairly desperate straits. They need help – right away.

Fortunately, the AARP Foundation was able to provide immediate solutions and assistance, while helping people stay focused on their long-term financial goals. We combined strong public benefits outreach efforts and contributed to “Real Relief” resources through AARP.org. This website provided a convenient source of information on the Foundation’s employment, health, and outreach programs.

In addition, more than 97,000 individuals in all 50 states used the Foundation’s online Benefits QuickLINK to screen and apply for public and private income support. As a result, lower-income individuals and families got help with paying for daily essentials such as utilities, groceries and medicine.

What we do we do for all

Our collaborations with the following organizations helped improve the quality of life for people in need, from coast-to-coast.

  • Thanks to the American Association of Service Coordinators, residents of affordable-housing units received our Benefits Outreach materials and learned about Benefits QuickLINK.
  • Through Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest), food-bank agency coordinators were encouraged to help seniors get nutritious food through the State Nutrition Assistance Program.
  • The Brookdale Foundation’s Relatives as Parents Program and Grandfamilies of America teamed with us to train advocates about Benefits QuickLINK and to help 3,200 grandparents raising grandchildren determine eligibility for public benefits.
  • The Employment Guide published tips about how to enroll in state-specific public benefits, and promoted Benefits QuickLINK to job-seekers and hourly wage workers.