Eskaton Foundation

Nearly 50% of the older adults we support across our continuum of services live at or below the California poverty level. Eskaton is committed to empowering older adults of all socioeconomic levels to stay healthy and engaged.

Eskaton’s impact can be seen through a variety of programs including: free education, resources, therapeutic art and music, spiritual care and community outreach and social connection to older adults across Northern California. Program offerings are open to all older adults over 65 regardless of socio-economic status and living status.  Founded in 1989, The Eskaton Foundation’s primary mission is to enhance the quality of life for older adults.

Resident Assistance

Longer lifespans mean that some older adults may outlive their resources through no fault of their own. Eskaton deeply believes that no resident should ever worry about being displaced from their home simply because they’ve outlived their resources. Through the generosity of our donors, we are able to fund the Resident Assistance Program which supplements care costs.

Resident Care Assistance

This program supports those residents living in Eskaton Affordable Housing Communities in need of non-medical home care services to support their independence.

Telephone Reassurance Program

Good friendships are vitally important to our health and well-being. The Telephone Reassurance Program makes friendly calls 365 days a year and at no cost to the participant.

• Volunteers and team members make an average of 50,000 calls per year
• Over two million friendly calls made since 1996
• Nearly 70% of participants live alone
• Approximately 80% of participants identify as low-income

Resource Navigation and Education

Navigating age-related changes can be difficult. Over the last 20 years, Eskaton has provided the region with the latest up-to-date education and resources on all topics related to aging.

• 1,200 older adults provided with free resources and information in 2022
• 9 published digital and print resource books are available at no cost
• 2,500 older adults attended educational webinars and in-person workshops in 2022

Kids Connection

This intergenerational program began in 2009 and connects residents and students across all Eskaton communities. Programs range from arts and crafts, reading and interviews, to singing and enjoying lunch.

• 10 participating communities
• 300+ connected older adults and students

Art Reveals

Art Reveals is a program developed from the idea that both creativity and spirituality have the capacity to reach beyond cognitive change. This art program includes a two-part process of art observation followed by hands-on art-making.  Part One is “Art Reveals on the Screen,” a visual display of fine artwork blended with guided conversations that support individuals as they connect to their own personal experiences, self-expression, hope and joy. Part Two is “Art Reveals on the Canvas,” hands-on art-making sessions created in response to Art Reveals on the Screen. Residents will have the opportunity to continue their journey of self-expression and discovery through art-making such as painting, drawing and collage. The hands-on experiences will offer creative ways to celebrate their lives and make their mark in the world.

• 1,283 residents attended in 2022
• 198 classes were offered in 2022

Therapeutic Gardening

Eskaton recently announced a partnership with Eldergrow. Indoor gardens offer residents a therapeutic connection to nature through innovative gardening products and services. The program launches in the spring of 2023 at two communities.

• Two Eskaton communities participating
• Daily access to caring and connection with the garden through programming
• Biweekly visits from trained horticulturalists to offer therapeutic connection to nature

Spiritual Care Program

Eskaton’s Spiritual Care Program is supported by volunteer chaplains and Eskaton team members who represent many faith traditions.  Chaplains are available at every community and offer nondenominational discussion groups, devotionals, learning circles, companionship, prayer, and grief navigation as needed.

• 10 volunteer chaplains across Eskaton
• Weekly visits to all communities or more as needed

Support Groups

Eskaton support groups bring people together who are going through or have gone through similar experiences. Support groups are available to residents, spouses, family members and the public at no cost.

• Weekly virtual support group open to all
• Monthly in-person support group open to all family members supporting someone living with cognitive change
• Monthly in-person support group open to all who are living with Lewy Body Dementia

How to Give

Where the Need is Greatest Fund

By making a gift to The Eskaton Foundation, you are ensuring that residents will have access to life-enriching services and quality care for generations to come.

• Supports life-enriching programming such as Kids Connection, spiritual care, therapeutic gardening and art across all communities.
• Supports at-risk elders living in affordable housing access to personal care assistance.
• Provides supplemental funds for residents who may outlive their resources. This program provides a sense of security by providing funds to bridge the gap.
• Empowers employees with necessary resources who face emergencies or crisis situations. 

We appreciate gifts of all sizes. Please reach out to our Director of Fund Development, Nicole Zamora, CFRE, at 916-334-0810 or email nicole.zamora@eskaton.org. Also, contact The Eskaton Foundation, if you want to discuss giving to the Foundation through bequests, stocks, real estate, RMDs and charitable trusts.