SAGE Eldercare GoFundMe Page

Summit, NJ – Dorrie Gagnon, a dedicated friend of SAGE Eldercare and a valued member of the Summit community, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help SAGE continue providing essential meals for seniors attending the Spend-A-Day Adult Medical Day Center (SPAD).

SAGE Eldercare is a nonprofit organization that has served our community for over 70 years, offering a wide range of programs and services for older adults and their caregivers. Their mission is to help older adults remain living where they wish to live most – in their own homes and communities.

Why Does SAGE Need a GoFundMe for SPAD Meals?

For over 50 years, SAGE Eldercare received state funding to provide meals for clients of its Spend-A-Day Adult Medical Day Center (SPAD). However, in late 2024, New Jersey changed its definition of a “congregate setting,” eliminating funding for SPAD meals. The new definition applies only to locations that solely provide meals, without any additional activities or services — effectively disqualifying SPAD, which offers essential programs for seniors with cognitive and physical challenges.

By December 2024, SAGE had explored all possible alternatives, including grants and other state funding, but no viable options remained. As a result, SAGE now bears the full cost of providing meals — $12 per meal, totaling approximately $100,000 annually. Many SPAD clients rely on this as their only meal of the day, making continued funding critical.

As a nonprofit, 100% of the proceeds from SAGE’s GoFundMe campaign will go directly toward providing meals, with no fees deducted. Community support is essential to ensuring that SPAD clients continue receiving the healthy food they need.

Spend-A-Day Adult Medical Day Center (SPAD)

For over five decades, SPAD has offered an interactive, engaging environment for older adults, offering memory-enhancing activities such as group discussions, active games, exercise programs, holiday celebrations, and guest entertainers and lecturers. Additionally, SPAD provides:

• Assistance with toileting and ambulation
• Nursing support for medical conditions, including medication administration
• Social work support for participants, families, and caregivers
• On-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Meals planned by a registered dietitian – breakfast, lunch, and a snack
• Individualized care plans tailored to each participant’s needs

How You Can Help

Your generous contribution can have an immediate impact. 100% of donations go directly to providing meals for SPAD clients, ensuring they receive the care, compassion, and nutrition they desperately need.

To donate, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/support-sage-eldercares-essential-meal-program

For more information about SAGE Eldercare and how you can support its mission, visit www.sageeldercare.org.