Manos Juntas Launches Aging Well Project with $30,000 Grant from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release – February 8, 2025
Contact:
Jackson Higginbottom, MPH
Board President & Interim Director
Email: jackson@manosjuntas.org
Manos Juntas: OKC Free Clinic
1145 W I-240 Service Road, Building D, Suite D
Oklahoma City, OK 73139
Phone: 405-605-3101
Manos Juntas Launches Aging Well Project with $30,000 Grant from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation
Oklahoma City, OK – Manos Juntas: OKC Free Clinic is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s Services for Older Adults Community Grant program. This funding will enable the launch of the Aging Well Project, an innovative initiative designed to empower older adults to maintain independence and improve their quality of life.
The Aging Well Project will provide home safety evaluations, food security support, caregiver assistance, and workshops to educate healthcare providers on best practices for supporting seniors. Through these comprehensive services, the project aims to address the physical, social, and emotional needs of underserved older adults, ensuring they remain safe, healthy, and connected to their communities.
“This initiative directly aligns with our vision of comprehensive, compassionate care,” said Dr. Trang Kieu, a lead member of the Aging Well Project team. “By bringing services and education into the places where seniors live and thrive, we are helping them maintain independence, stay connected, and experience the dignity they deserve as valued members of our community.”
“This grant expands our capacity to meet the most pressing challenges seniors face,” said Jackson Higginbottom, MPH, President and Interim Director of Manos Juntas. “By supporting efforts to identify and reduce home safety hazards and tackle food insecurity, we can help older adults remain safe and enjoy a better quality of life as they age.”
A Focus on Community Impact
The Oklahoma City Community Foundation awarded $192,000 across 15 local organizations this year to strengthen services for older adults. These grants reflect the Foundation’s commitment to enabling seniors to age in place, while staying active and engaged.
“The Aging Well Project is about more than physical health—it’s about building a network of resources so seniors can remain engaged in their communities,” Higginbottom said. “When we address challenges like food insecurity, fall risks, and caregiver stress, we create a ripple effect that benefits not just seniors, but their families and neighborhoods as well.”
Manos Juntas has served Oklahoma City for over two decades, offering free medical care and health education to underserved populations. The clinic operates with the belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and has grown into a trusted community partner. Through programs like the Aging Well Project, the clinic continues to expand its services, improving access to care and addressing critical social drivers of health.
For more information about the Aging Well Project or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.manosjuntas.org or contact Jackson Higginbottom at jackson@manosjuntas.org or 405-605-3101.
About the Oklahoma City Community Foundation
Founded in 1969, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that partners with individuals, families, and organizations to address the community’s most pressing needs. The Foundation supports projects that enhance quality of life, focusing on impactful solutions to local challenges. To learn more, visit occf.org.