Griswold Home Care’s Jean Griswold Foundation Launches Annual Fundraising Campaign Benefitting Caregivers Everywhere

A true pioneer and visionary, Dr. Jean Griswold broke barriers and established the first non-medical home care franchise in the country. She dedicated her life to helping seniors age in the place they love, their homes, while providing caregiver opportunities to compassionate people in her community. Her legacy lives on nearly 40 years later, in 168 Griswold Home Care franchises throughout 29 states. In recognition of her work of advocating for caregivers, The Jean Griswold Foundation is refocusing its mission on caregivers and will raise money to support them. 

“We are honored and humbled by the legacy of Dr. Jean Griswold and believe she would be thrilled at the renewed direction of her namesake foundation,” said Michael Slupecki, CEO, Griswold Home Care. No one understood the importance of caregivers more than Dr. Jean herself, who suffered from multiple sclerosis. “Her drive to create opportunities for people to care for others in their community who wanted to age in place in the comfort of their homes was borne from her own experience,” said Slupecki.

Established in 2010, The Jean Griswold Foundation's original mission was to provide grants to community non-profit organizations that enhance the quality of life for low-income seniors and adults with disabilities who choose to age in place. The Foundation’s history of giving includes 275 grants to community service organizations, over $300,000 given in grants, and with its swift reaction to the Covid-19 crisis, the organization dedicated $50,000 to emergency relief grants targeting food programs serving low-income seniors.

On National Caregiver Day this past February, Griswold Home Care announced the transition of the Jean Griswold Foundation from a private charity to public non-profit status with a focus on supporting caregivers. The Foundation will offer resources to help with career advancement, educational opportunities, and financial support. 

A new Jean Griswold Caregiver Scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving caregiver. Applicants do not have to work for Griswold Home Care, and additional criteria and guidelines will be released in the coming months. There will also be Caregiver Support Grants made throughout the year, earmarked specifically for Griswold Home Care caregivers suffering from hardship. 

The Foundation has set a goal of raising $75,000 by October 28, 2021, which coincides with the first ever Blue Jean Gala taking place at Griswold Home Care’s annual conference in Philadelphia. With support from Griswold Home Care employees, the Griswold International Board of Directors, franchise owners and staff, and private donors, it is hoped that the goal will not only be met but exceeded during the 12-week campaign.

“Caregivers are the lifeblood of a home care company, and as a former Griswold Home Care franchise owner, I know there is nothing more important to the business than those who are providing compassionate care in the homes of our clients,” said Maryanne Murray, Chairperson of the Jean Griswold Foundation.

To further support the Foundation, its board has hired Deidra Stevens to act as Managing Director for the next six months as they raise funds and search for a new full-time Executive Director. Bringing 20 years of experience in the nonprofit world, Stevens will lead the fundraising charge as well as work on a five-year strategic plan and assist in identifying and interviewing candidates for the Executive Director role.

“I am excited for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who take care of our most vulnerable population,” said Stevens. “This project is particularly special to me as I watch my own parents begin to age and realize they, too, will need help in the coming years. I am motivated by the special people I’ve met so far in the home care industry and can’t wait to do more to improve the lives of caregivers everywhere.”

If you’d like to donate to the Jean Griswold Foundation, please visit https://www.jeangriswoldfoundation.com/donate/.

The cost to open a Griswold Home Care franchise ranges from $108,181 to $181,431, including a $49,500 franchise fee. For more information on franchising with Griswold Home Care, visit https://www.griswoldhomecare.com/franchising/.