Episcopal SeniorLife Communities Awarded $15,000 Grant From Golisano Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 3, 2025

CONTACT: Sarah Morrow, PR/Communications Manager, 585.546.8439 x3716, sgmorrow@EpiscopalSeniorLife.org

Rochester, NY – September 3, 2025 – Episcopal SeniorLife Communities has been awarded a grant of $15,000 from the Golisano Foundation, one of the nation’s largest foundations dedicated to supporting programs for people with intellectual disabilities.

In partnership with the Golisano Foundation, The Arc of Monroe and Lifetime Assistance, Episcopal SeniorLife Communities (ESLC) will develop Talking About Dementia, a program that provides critical services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who are living with dementia and their families to remain in their communities.

“We look forward to working with Episcopal SeniorLife Communities as they help our community’s older adults with IDD and dementia gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate the challenges that come with this diagnosis,” said Erica Dayton, Golisano Foundation’s Executive Director.

Talking About Dementia will pair ESLC’s newest initiative, Medicare’s Guiding an Improved Experience with a care consultant mentorship program to support people with IDD and dementia as well as their families and caregivers.

“We are incredibly grateful for an award from the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation to support our Specialized Program for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities & Dementia.” Teresa Galbier, ESLC’s VP of Dementia Program Development.

“We are truly honored to be part of the grant for Episcopal SeniorLife Communities, which empowers people with IDD by providing essential dementia knowledge. This aligns seamlessly with our commitment to support our aging population who are living long, full lives. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important work and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we support.” Tracy Petrichick, President & CEO, The Arc of Monroe.

“As the number of adults with developmental disabilities living into their older years increases, more will face age-related health challenges, including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. We commend the Golisano Foundation and we look forward to working with Episcopal SeniorLife Communities on this important initiative.” Bryan O’Donovan, President & CEO, Lifetime Assistance.

The project will highlight the importance of collaboration to broaden the range of choices and options for people with IDD and dementia by offering our entire array of community based specialized dementia programs, health and wellness services, and support and training programs. We will include people with IDD and dementia in the design and implementation, ensuring that the program is tailored to preferences and needs of the individuals served.

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Episcopal SeniorLife Communities has been helping older adults live life to the fullest since 1868.

About Episcopal SeniorLife Communities:

Episcopal SeniorLife Communities (ESLC) is a faith-based, nonprofit operating a network of care and service programs for older adults consisting of three (3) lines of service (clinical support, housing, and community programs) across nine (9) campuses. ESLC’s mission is to support older adults and their families through life’s transitions and honor each individual’s unique desires, beliefs and values, thus fulfilling our pledge of “Life. Inspired every day.”

Episcopal SeniorLife Communities offers community wellness and dementia programs, supportive housing, Medicaid Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver Program, affordable and market rate housing, enriched housing, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, hospice and skilled nursing.

Visit us on the Web: EpiscopalSeniorLife.org

Check us out on: Facebook (@EpiscopalSeniorLife), X (Formerly Twitter) (@ESLC_Rochester), Instagram (@EpiscoaplSeniorLife) LinkedIn (@EpiscopalSeniorLifeCommunities)

The Golisano Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. dedicated to making the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Foundation is devoted to opening doors to opportunity, changing negative perceptions and stereotypes, and forging unprecedented partnerships to ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have pathways to personal dignity, independence, and the best possible expression of their abilities and talents throughout their lifetimes. Founded in 1985 by Tom Golisano—entrepreneur, philanthropist, civic leader, and founder of Paychex, Inc. —the Foundation “imagines the possibilities,” advocating for families, fighting for their dignity, and giving people with IDD the opportunity to thrive in their communities. With more than $100 million in gross assets, it awards about $5 million annually to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.