HSRC Leads California’s Whole Health Initiative
Humboldt Senior Resource Center’s (HSRC) Nutrition & Activities program has been awarded a three-year $1.2 million federal Administration for Community Living grant to lead Whole Health: Integrating Behavioral Health into Senior Nutrition Programs, a statewide initiative that will bring together partners across four regions of California to strengthen congregate dining programs.
Senior nutrition programs have long provided more than a healthy meals. They create places where older adults create friendships, reduce isolation and access resources that support their overall well-being. The Whole Health initiative will build upon this foundation by identifying barriers to congregate dining participation, testing innovative approaches and developing practical tools and training that will be disseminated to senior nutrition programs throughout the United States.
At the close of the three-year project, pilot sites are expected to have increased attendance in congregate dining, expanded behavioral health supports and trained staff in person-centered, trauma-informed care. The project will create training materials, fundraising resources and implementation toolkits for communities across the country to strengthen services for older adults.
Tasha Romo, HSRC’s director of Nutrition & Activities, will lead the statewide initiative.
“This grant recognizes the incredible work our Nutrition & Activities team does every day,” said Romo. “Our Heritage Café congregate meal sites in Eureka, Fortuna and Arcata are more than places to enjoy lunch — they are places where friendships are formed, isolation is reduced and people find a sense of belonging. We are honored and excited to lead this work for California.”
The Whole Health initiative reflects HSRC’s commitment to helping older adults live with dignity, health and self-determination while fostering a community rooted in respect, inclusion and compassion. By integrating behavioral health services into senior nutrition programs, the project supports the whole person — promoting physical health, emotional well-being and a sense of belonging. It is another step toward HSRC’s vision of a healthy, compassionate community that honors the experience and wisdom of older adults while embracing aging with awareness, sensitivity and respect.
The program recognizes that nutritious meals alone are not enough. Established in 1975, HSRC’s Nutrition & Activities Program improves the health, independence and quality of life of older adults by reducing food insecurity, combatting social isolation and addressing the social determinants of health that enable older adults to remain safe in their homes and communities.
To learn more, visit humsenior.org or call 707-443-9747.
Andrea Richardson is HSRC’s director of Fund Development.
