Adopt a Native Elder Program
A Good Idea
Description
Adopt a Native Elder is a program to support older Native Americans who live in the cultural and spiritual traditions of The Dine' People, most of whom live in remote portions of the Dine' (Navajo) reservation. The program organizes regular donations of food and other essential needs for older adults. Additional services provided by the program include organized donations of shoes, toys, and school supplies to grandchildren of elders and an annual rug show and sale in which traditional weavings are presented and sold to support elders with self-earned income.
Goal / Mission
The Adopt a Native Elder program was established to build bridges between cultures and between individuals through the native tradition of adoption.
Results / Accomplishments
The program supports over 500 traditional Elders who live in the Northern portion of Arizona and Southern Utah. Over 2,500 people from all over the United States and a few foreign countries have supported the program. All services of the program are provided through donations, and administrative work is provided by volunteers. Traditionally woven rugs can be purchased online from the program's website, and all proceeds are returned to the weavers.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program
Primary Contact
Topics
Community / Civic Engagement
Economy / Poverty
Health / Older Adults
Economy / Poverty
Health / Older Adults
Organization(s)
Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program
Location
Arizona and Utah
For more details
Target Audience
Older Adults, Racial/Ethnic Minorities