Caregiving collaboration to support minority caregivers

CHICAGO, June 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today at AARP's 2009 Diversity and Aging Conference, the AARP Foundation announced a $1.1 million gift from the Harrah's Foundation to help current and former caregivers meet caregiving responsibilities while building their own long-term financial security.

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"As the U.S. population ages, caregiving is becoming an increasingly important component in the lives of all Americans, particularly as they approach retirement," said Robin Talbert, AARP Foundation president. "With the help of this generous gift from the Harrah's Foundation, the AARP Foundation is in a unique position to help caregivers fulfill their responsibilities and employers create environments that support them."

The year-long collaboration will put special emphasis on caregiving within existing AARP Foundation programs like WorkSearch, Prepare to Care, Benefits Outreach and Money Management. At the same time, it will provide employers with tools to help employees balance caregiving and workplace responsibilities.

"The Harrah's Foundation is deeply committed to older Americans and the important issues," said Thom Reilly, executive director of the Harrah's Foundation. "This relationship with the AARP Foundation allows us to extend our reach into that community and help them address caregiving issues."

The collaboration will focus on minority caregivers in specific geographies, including Mississippi, New Orleans, New Jersey, New York, Phoenix, and Pittsburgh.

The Harrah's Foundation provides support to many organizations focused on older Americans. As the largest corporate donor to the Meals on Wheels Association of America; one of only two strategic alliance partners with the Alzheimer's Association; the major funder of Second Wind Dreams and the WGBH Boston-produced broadcast special, "Caring for Your Parents," the Harrah's Foundation continues to champion many issues facing seniors nationally and internationally.

AARP Foundation

The AARP Foundation is AARP's affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security protection and empowerment for older persons in need. Low-income older workers receive the job training and placement they need to re-join the workforce. Free tax preparation is provided for low- and moderate-income individuals, with special attention to those 60 and older. The Foundation's litigation staff protects the legal rights of older Americans in critical health, long-term care, consumer and employment situations. Additional programs provide information, education and services to ensure that people over 50 lead lives of independence, dignity and purpose. Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP.

For more information about the AARP Foundation, please log on to www.aarp.org/foundation.

Harrah's Foundation

The Harrah's Foundation is a private, 501(c)(3) foundation established to provide financial support to qualified organizations in communities where Harrah's employees live and work. Established in 2002, the Harrah's Foundation is funded by Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., portfolio of properties and supports social reinvestment programs by funding eligible 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to seniors, education and civic programs. Since its formation, the Harrah's Foundation has committed nearly $66 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. More information is available at http://www.harrahscommunityrelations.com.



SOURCE AARP