Our History

Virginia Carlson of Fremont began LIFE ElderCare in 1975 as a nutritional program with delivery to Fremont's frail, homebound seniors.  Meals were prepared and packaged at a local school kitchen and delivered by a group of volunteers.  That first year of service, some 300 meals were provided and today, Meals on Wheels at LIFE ElderCare provides over 350 meals per day to frail, homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities living in Fremont, Newark and Union City. 

In 1985, the Friendly Visitor Program was established, bringing companionship by matching volunteers with homebound seniors who are lonely and in need of a friend. 

The VIP Rides Program, linking volunteers with seniors as well as non-seniors with disabilities who require assistance while traveling with local Paratransit to medical appointments and grocery shopping was established in late 2004. 

Compelled by the statistics that frail, high risk seniors (85 years and older) are 57 times more likely to suffer a fall that requires hospitalization, the Senior Falls Prevention Program started in 2006.  This service includes in-home exercises; in-home falls risk assessment, minor home modifications (such as grab bars, hand held, shower, toilet lift, etc.) and medication analysis by trained staff professional for possible drug interaction ( a large risk factor in falls.)

Our Funding

LIFE ElderCare is a private non-profit organization.  We receive funds through various sources including City and County funding, private foundations, and individuals living within the community.  The Organization's Fundraising Committee is dedicated to an agenda that will increase both awareness and financial support thus helping to ensure that no senior in the community goes hungry.  To learn more about LIFE's fundraising efforts or to donate on-line, please see our donations page.  

LIFE ElderCare's ability to serve each senior is also supported by our family of volunteers which has grown to over 300 caring individuals.