Who We Are
Who we are
Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County is a 501(c)3 charitable organization established in 1994 with a “Faith in Action” grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. For almost three decades, we have worked to improve the quality of life and help meet the concerns and special needs of the homebound elderly and adults with disabilities in Mercer County, New Jersey.
Hundreds of caring volunteers, trained and managed by agency, provide caregiving support and wellness program that enables seniors and adults with disabilities to age safely in their homes and communities. All services and programs are offered free-of-charge without proselytization or regard to race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, or income.
Our Mission
Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County is dedicated to promoting the independence, dignity, and wellness of homebound elderly and people with disabilities by matching them with supportive and caring volunteers who assist with the tasks of everyday life.
How We Serve
While volunteer caregivers freely offer their time and talent, there are many resources required to sustain this complex network of 360 caregivers who quietly and humbly serve some 420 care receivers.
Our case managers and program directors carefully assess and match volunteer and care receiver and monitor each case. Our caregivers often seek out service through their faith community, and our agency provides guidance and professional instruction that includes health and safety training. Further, volunteers receive ongoing support and education on topics including caregiving skills, stress management, elder abuse, working with adults with disabilities, food vulnerabilities, elder addiction, depression and even hoarding behaviors.
Services and programs provided by Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County are made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners, including individuals, foundations, corporations, government agencies, congregations, and community organizations and businesses.
Projected Future Growth of Older Population
According to data and research by Administration for Community Living (ACL)
“In 2019, there were 54.1 million people age 65 and older (up from 39.6 million in 2009). The population is projected to reach 80.8 million by 2040 and 94.7 million by 2060. All but a tiny percentage of them live in non-institutional settings, as do more than 61 million people with disabilities. Both populations are growing, and older Americans are one of the fastest-growing demographics in the country.
Since 1900, the percentage of Americans age 65 and older nearly quadrupled (from 4.1% in 1900 to 16% in 2019), and the number increased more than 17 times (from 3.1 million to 54.1 million). The older population itself became increasingly older. In 2019, the 65-74 age group (31.5 million) was more than 14 times larger than in 1900 (2,19 million); the 75-84 group (16 million) was 20 times larger (771,000), and the 85+ group (6.6 million) was more than 53 times larger (122,000). “