About Us

Mission Statement

The Carmel Foundation's mission is to provide a place for members to gather and enjoy a variety of activities and services in an environment of respect and camaraderie. It's a place to call home."

What We Do

The Carmel Foundation is a membership organization with over 2,500 members 55 years of age and older. Our vision is to facilitate successful aging by providing a broad spectrum of interactive activities and services for the ever-changing physical, social, emotional and cognitive needs of our members. Some of the services offered to Foundation members include:

  • Over 50 interesting classes and activities weekly
  • Affordable lunches four days per week served on site
  • Fifty affordable apartments for low-income seniors
  • Technology Center
  • Day excursions outside of the Monterey-Carmel area to museums, plays and shopping
  • Wednesday programs featuring lecturers, presentations and entertainment
  • Meal delivery to homebound members
  • Free medical equipment loans
  • Free lending library
  • Café with free WiFi access
  • Free blood pressure checks
  • Caregiver support groups

The Carmel Foundation also partners with senior-serving agencies to provide additional services such as:

  • Legal Services for Seniors, providing free legal consultations
  • Alliance on Aging, providing assistance with Medicare or supplemental insurance
  • Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice (VNA), providing a grief support group
  • Independent Transportation Network (ITN) Monterey County, offers rides to seniors in Monterey County


A Brief History of the Foundation















In the post-war days of the late 1940s, a group of locals decided to address the needs of the "old timers" in our community who were on their own and feeling insecure. In April 1950, The Carmel Foundation was established and "An Adventure in Neighborliness" was set as the conceptual framework for the Foundation.

  "I lost my daughter to cancer and my brother to cancer, so there's no one left. Where are you going to go?" – Barbara
Support services started almost immediately. "Many people, particularly those living alone, welcomed the opportunity to discuss their concerns and fears in an atmosphere of understanding and confidentiality. Listening to their problems resulted in our helping them…," noted Mrs. Ruth Sarett, the Foundation's first Executive Director.
  "After my wife's death, my membership in the Foundation and the friendships I made there helped me to survive the most devastating period in my life." - Anonymous
The inception of the Foundation's low-income housing program began in 1962 with the purchase of a 4-unit apartment building. In 1964, the Foundation acquired a former hotel which was remodeled and became Trevvett Court in honor of Mrs. Sidney Trevvett, one of the founders and honorary president of The Carmel Foundation. In recent years, Trevvett Court was completely redone. In 1965, the acquisition of housing continued with Haseltine Court and in 1988, construction began at Norton Court. Today, The Carmel Foundation offers 50 apartments to low and very low income seniors from our area, so that those who made our community what it is today are not forced to relocate away from the area they call home.
  "I can tell you that this program was and still is a life saver for us…(my husband) is now in Hospice care at home and I am a full time caregiver. Please keep your homebound meals in place – we deeply appreciate this program and the kind volunteers who provide delivery." ~ Anonymous
Homebound Meal Delivery started November of 1960 when volunteers delivered freshly made meals in sealed containers to those homebound. The cost in 1960 of a meal was $1.25. Today, meals are delivered to those who may not have the ability to provide themselves with a nutritious meal. Since the beginning of the program, volunteers have brought freshly made meals to these homebound. Today, the cost is $6 for a 3-course meal delivered by friendly volunteers.
  "The lunch program is about much more than good food. The sense of comradeship is just as important." ~ Mrs. Robotti (Board member from 1981-87)
In the 1950's, lunch at the Town House was a once-a-month potluck affair. By 1981, the lunch program service had expanded to four days a week. Today, chefs arrive before dawn to begin to preparing close to 100 meals each day. Members of all walks of life socialize with their peers, enjoying a delicious homemade meal. Making new friends quells the loneliness and emotional distress brought with age.
  "I get a nice cozy feeling to be with the Foundation and not alone in the vast old world." ~ Mary
The opportunity to learn something new in a stimulating yet safe environment lessens the effects of listlessness and loss of enthusiasm for life and its adventures. A number of classes that were originally offered are still being offered today, albeit a bit more relevant to our members' current needs and interests. Over 50 classes are offered each week, some of which are physically stimulating, some are intellectually stimulated, some are simply fun; all of which create an opportunity for learning something new, engaging in life, and making new friends.
  "I truly enjoyed the opportunity to learn and improve my skills in operating my new iPad and website on the computer through the good graces of excellent instructors in our Tech Center"  ~ Paul
Keeping relevant with the times, a brand new program was initiated in 1995 – the computer learning center. Within the first 5 years, 1,000 members were graduated from its classes. They didn't have to feel intimidated about getting into technology. After all, they were learning together at the Foundation where they already felt comfortable and at home. Today, numerous technology classes are offered enabling seniors to FaceTime with their grandchildren or email a friend who lives far away.

Board of Directors 2024-2025

Officers


Board Chair
Mitch Matthews

Vice Chair Governance
Chuck Des Roches

Vice Chair Treasurer
Jerry Bachecki, C.P.A.

Vice Chair Development
Diego Reyes

Vice Chair Program & Volunteer Servcies
Marianne Baldrica

Secretary
Cristy Dawson

Ad Hoc
Mary Crowe

Directors


Mitch Ferguson
Janie Franklin
Andrew Gibaut
Liza Moe
Natalie Stickler-Hofmans
Maria Weidmann


If you are interested in becoming a member of the Board of Directors, please download, complete & return the application below:

BOARD APPLICATION

Foundation Financials and Annual Report

 

Currently, the Foundation's operating budget is approximately $2.5 million.

Each year, The Carmel Foundation raises over $1.8 million beyond program fees and membership contributions in order to continue our services and programs. Since our inception in 1950, we have not accepted government funding.

The Carmel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donations made to the Foundation are tax deductible in accordance with current IRS regulations.

Our Tax ID# is 94-1225368.

Press Room

Love letter to foundation

National Non-Profit Day

Something for Everyone

A Community of Caring: The Carmel Foundation

Carmel Foundation reopens July 1

There's no Concours on the Avenue, but it still donates $10K to foundation

Kids Learn To Tell Seniors' Stories In New River School Project

Business of the Year

Boomer Humor

Carmel Foundation Memiors Class

AT&T Charities

It's Valentine's, and Cupid doesn't care how old you are

Carmel Foundation talk Explores Medical Marijuana

Technology Center Ribbon Cutting

Carmel Foundation shows boomers how to become seniors

Chamber names best business of 2014

Teens help seniors unravel the mysteries of their iPads and iPhones

Your Grandma’s and Your Mom’s and Your Senior Center