Asset Publisher

A Statement from Benjamin Rose

June 2020

Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging is proud to be a Cleveland-based nonprofit.

As a social service provider in a large urban area, we see the impact of racial disparities on a daily basis, and understand the frustrations and anger that have led to the protests and unrest of the past several days. We are grateful to the community partners, organizations and individuals who work with us to help older adults and caregivers of color overcome systemic barriers, social determinants of health, and other challenges to aging well in the community. We will continue to advocate for families and communities as they navigate those challenges.

As an essential provider, we deliver vital services to older adults in downtown Cleveland and the surrounding neighborhoods, and have no planned interruption in services. We are grateful to our frontline workers – the home-delivered meal drivers and others – who are navigating road closures and curfew protocols to help ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable older adults.

We have been here before and undoubtedly will be here again in the future unless we come together as a community and a nation to address the underlying issues that allow an entire race to be disenfranchised solely because of the color of their skin.

We want to be part of the solution. We hope you will be too.