Hello everyone. My name is Elsa Tamayo, CSUMB student and current intern for Nonprofit Connection Santa Cruz County. In this blog post, I am excited to share the news of Grey Bears’ expansion!
In a community where the needs of seniors are rapidly evolving, Grey Bears stands as a beacon of hope and progress. Through their tireless efforts in food and meal services, conservation, and recycling, Grey Bears has become a cornerstone in promoting not only good nutrition but also social connection for healthy aging in Santa Cruz County.
The organization’s recent acquisition of a one-acre property at 2606 Chanticleer Ave. marks a significant milestone in its journey. This new property, adjacent to their existing site, completes a crucial piece of their campus, establishing a continuous stretch to Highway 1 and neighboring the vacant former drive-in site of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. With a total of 3.6 acres now under their stewardship, including two buildings leased to other businesses, Grey Bears is poised to enhance its impact on the senior community.
Pam Goodman, Former board chair and LifeSpan owner, praised Grey Bears for smartly acquiring property to serve the senior community. However, Goodman noted that many of their facilities are outdated, reflecting the area’s past as an agricultural site. With the senior population increasing and the challenges of maintaining old buildings for food services, Goodman believes it’s time to plan for modernizing their facilities to better meet current needs.
Kayla Traber, Development Manager at Grey Bears, reflects on the organization’s half-century of impact in Santa Cruz: “For over 50 years, Grey Bears has been a cornerstone of senior services in Santa Cruz. As we look forward to the next 50 years, we are excited to collaborate with our community partners to address the evolving needs of our growing senior population, and to discover sustainable solutions that empower all seniors to live healthy, meaningful lives.”
Santa Cruz County has seen a dramatic 80% increase in its senior population from 2010 to 2020, with a corresponding rise in the number of homeless seniors and an increased demand for services. In response, Grey Bears has not only expanded its physical footprint but also its service offerings. This year alone, the organization served a record 58,000 hot lunches and is partnering with Dientes to introduce a mobile dental clinic for seniors. This initiative is crucial, as dental health is a key factor in overall well-being and can significantly reduce feelings of isolation among older adults.
Grey Bears’ thoughtful approach—combining better facilities with new services—shows their strong commitment to improving life for seniors in Santa Cruz. They clearly understand the complex issues facing today’s older population and are dedicated to addressing these challenges with care and foresight. Their proactive approach and thoughtful expansion show a deep commitment to improving the lives of seniors, ensuring that they continue to receive the support and care they need for years to come!
Grey Bears rely on the support of people to continue their important work. You can help by:
- Volunteering: Offer your time to assist with meal deliveries or other activities. Visit Grey Bears Volunteer to learn more or call 831-479-1055.
- Donating: Contribute money to support their services. Donate easily at Grey Bears Support.
- Spread the Word: Help raise awareness about Grey Bears and their vital work. Follow them on social media and share their posts on Instagram and Facebook.