OATS has been awarded a $100,000 grant by Bader Philanthropies to support expansion of the Senior Planet licensing program into rural Wisconsin communities by training and supporting four new rural sites in the state. The grant period began on June 6, 2024, and will run for two years.
Senior Planet currently has three licensed partner sites in Wisconsin, all in Milwaukee. “Residents of rural communities face unique challenges in accessing the skills and training they need to thrive in the digital world,” said Kristina Demery, Manager of the Senior Planet Licensing Program. Some of these challenges include connectivity and transportation, among others. Senior-serving programs in rural communities can also face staffing and resource shortages. “We are already working with great partners in Milwaukee and are thrilled about this opportunity to expand the licensing program to rural areas in Wisconsin,” Demery said.
Bader Philanthropies, founded in 1992 in Milwaukee and still based in the city, has made significant investments in rural Wisconsin and maintains strong connections to communities across the state. We look forward to working with Bader Philanthropies to help close the digital divide for older adults living in rural communities.