Impact Story: Generations of the Indian Valley

For over 55 years, Generations of the Indian Valley has served older adults in Montgomery County by forging deep roots in the local community and building robust public and private partnerships. 

Despite these critical efforts, Generations has witnessed a growing number of older adults in recent years who lack the care and supportive services necessary to live active, healthy, and stable lives. Rising rental costs combined with subsidized housing wait lists that extend for years are leading to evictions. Mobility and transportation barriers result in significant health challenges, and isolation and depression are sadly widespread. As these contributing factors continue to spread, federal funding for critical programs has been reduced, or completely cut. Without coordinated efforts to advocate on behalf of seniors, these issues will continue to multiply, leaving older adults without the resources, supportive services, and community to live healthy and hopeful lives. 

Understanding these factors, Generations stepped forward with courage and conviction to unite their Board and staff behind an advocacy strategy. Their advocacy work centers the lived experiences of seniors in the Indian Valley and North Penn areas and raises critical issues into the public discourse.

Every day in Montgomery County, community organizations and leaders, like Generations of the Indian Valley, are leaning into advocacy to address and improve civic engagement, racial and social equity, public policies and systems, and social determinants of health and well-being. They are advancing solutions to the challenges faced by those they serve. HealthSpark created the Building Community Power Fund because we believe advocacy is a critical lever for achieving healthy, equitable, and hopeful communities. The Fund provides grants to help nonprofit organizations embed advocacy for equitable, data-driven public policy into their culture, operations, and programs, or strengthen existing efforts. “Communities learn that they also have power,” reflects Generations’ Executive Director Doug Eschbach, “Power to speak up. Power to connect with others who share the same commitments. Power to speak to power. Power to be braver and more impassioned than we thought we could (or ought to) be.”  Together, Generations’ Board, staff, and participants are engaging in conversations with one another and with their legislators. Together, they are amplifying their voices and growing their ability to generate change.

The following video is a testament to this work and the possibilities that exist when we come together to advocate for just and equitable policies and programs that build community power and inspire hope.