2019 Jean Griswold Grant

For nearly 10 years, the Jean Griswold Foundation has been providing grants to select nonprofit organizations in our local communities. The goal of our foundation is to build and support programs that enhance the quality of life for seniors and adults with disabilities. This year, our Griswold Home Care of Central New York office decided to give our annual grant to Advocates Incorporated.

Jean Griswold, a businessperson, faith leader, and founder of Griswold Home Care, started her business in 1982 in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Her husband, a reverend, had informed Jean that their friend, an elderly woman in their parish, had died because she had not received the help she needed with her daily doings. Once Jean heard this news, she was determined to never let something like this happen again. Her compassion, determination and drive are what created her business of Griswold Home Care.

Unfortunately, Jean was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1967 at the age of only 36. She worked in her office until she was 79, and passed away in 2017 at the age of 86. She was a passionate and inspiring entrepreneur, and her legacy continues to live through Griswold Home Care and the Jean Griswold Foundation.

We chose to give our 2019 grant to Advocates, Inc. in order to help support individuals and families in leading meaningful and inclusive lives. For over 20 years, Advocates has been a great resource for education and family support in our local community. They serve approximately 1,000 individuals and families throughout Central New York with a vision to provide a sense of responsibility, as well as new skills and independence support for their everyday lives.

Our 2019 Jean Griswold grant will help Advocates kickstart their very own café in their Liverpool office, where they will solely employ individuals with differing abilities. We are grateful for Advocates accepting our donation and allowing us to contribute to changing the lives of so many individuals in our community.