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About OASIS Mission News releases eNewsletter Job opportunities Organization The OASIS Institute History Highlights Sponsors Board members Financial statements Link to us Contact us			News OASIS Receives $2.5 Million from The Atlantic Philanthropies Supporting Business Plan for Expansion April 1, 2008, St. Louis, MO - The OASIS Institute has received a $2.5 million grant - its largest ever - to fund a five-year plan to significantly grow its services to the nation's dramatically expanding aging population. The grant is from The Atlantic Philanthropies of New York, a leader in initiatives to help vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. It provides OASIS with the funding to: Increase and diversify participation in current and new OASIS markets Provide OASIS opportunities to more diverse and low-income populations Share successful strategies with aging service providers Build OASIS' capacity and sustainability "Older adults are a tremendous resource for our society," said Marcia Kerz, president of The OASIS Institute. "As 76 million people approach retirement in the next decade, there will be unprecedented need for programs enabling them to continue as active, contributing members of society. This grant will enable us to reach more of these people and to offer them better programs. "The need for innovative national organizations that work to help older adults live independently and serve as resources to their communities has never been more important," said Brian Hofland, director of Atlantic's Ageing Programme. "With its longstanding experience, creative programs, impressive national network and partnership relationships, OASIS brings unique strengths to address this need." Headquartered in St. Louis, The OASIS Institute has 25 years of experience providing lifelong learning and civic engagement opportunities to help mature adults lead vibrant, healthy, productive lives. Its programs address the intellectual, physical and social needs of adults age 50 and older. This comprehensive approach was validated in the landmark $10 million MacArthur Foundation Study of Aging in America. Researchers John Rowe and Robert Kahn, authors of Successful Aging, found that the keys to preserving a high quality of life are maintaining a low risk for disease, a high level of engagement with one's community and high physical and cognitive function, and "it is the combination of all three that represents the concept of successful aging fully." Continuing research underscores the importance of all these elements: Intellectual stimulation: Participating in classes activates parts of the brain that slow aging and increase memory and intellectual curiosity. A study of older adults in arts and cultural programs found powerful benefits, including heightened morale, increased social activity and a decrease in depression, doctor visits and medication use. OASIS offers a wide range of stimulating lifelong learning programs in the arts, humanities, science, technology and practical information. Healthy lifestyles: Alarming trends in the health of older Americans could drive a cumulative deficit of $5.8 trillion in Medicare spending over the next 20 years. Two-thirds of older adults are sedentary, increasing their risks for disease and disability, and 80 percent of people over age 65 have a chronic health condition. OASIS' evidence-based programs are proven to help people build skills and social support to make lasting lifestyle changes. Civic engagement: People who are socially engaged are more likely to stay physically and mentally vital. A Florida State University study found that those who volunteer just two to three hours a week live happier, healthier lives. The social context is key. OASIS creates communities where people find support and encourage each other, and engages people in service through projects like the OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring program, which pairs adults with children in the primary grades to help them build reading skills and confidence. The grant includes $2 million in outright funding for OASIS' five-year business plan, and $500,000 in challenge funds to be matched by other new funding. OASIS worked with Root Cause, a non-profit strategy consulting firm, to develop the plan with an initial grant of $150,000 from the Atlantic Philanthropies in 2007. "The Atlantic Philanthropies support will enable us to invest in strengthening our centers and building our knowledge and capacity. We are excited about all that we can accomplish to make a significant and enduring impact on a social issue that affects millions," said Kerz. About OASIS: The OASIS Institute is a non-profit organization with programs in 27 cities that serve 365,000 people age 50 and older through OASIS education centers and partnerships with hundreds of health providers, libraries, senior centers, affordable housing sites, faith-based organizations, school districts and other community organizations. It has won dozens of awards and recognition over the years from organizations and agencies like the AARP, the U.S. Administration on Aging and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for pioneering lifelong learning and volunteer opportunities. For more information please visit www.oasisnet.org. About The Atlantic Philanthropies: The Atlantic Philanthropies are dedicated to bringing about lasting changes in the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Atlantic focuses on four critical social problems: Ageing, Disadvantaged Children & Youth, Population Health, and Reconciliation & Human Rights. Programs funded by Atlantic operate in Australia, Bermuda, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United States and Viet Nam. To learn more, please visit www.atlanticphilanthropies.org. For more information: Janice Branham, Director of Communications The OASIS Institute 314.862.2933 ext 229 jbranham @ oasisnet. org OASIS News Releases April 28, 2008 OASIS Video to be Broadcast on National Television April 1, 2008 OASIS Receives $2.5 Million from The Atlantic Philanthropies Supporting Business Plan for Expansion October 10, 2007 OASIS Marks 25th Anniversary at National Conference, unveils five-year business plan to increase its impact March 14, 2007 AT&T Foundation Makes $1 Million Technology Grant to The OASIS Institute March 7, 2007 OASIS Receives National Leadership Award from NCOA February 8, 2007 OASIS Plans to Expand Programs to Reach a Broader Audience Atlantic Philanthropies Grant To Support Expansion Plan February 5, 2007 OASIS Institute Names Five Centers of Excellence for 2007-08 November 6, 2006 Marylen Mann Receives Distinguished Alumni Award from Washington University October 30, 2006 OASIS Institute Receives National Award from HHS for Promoting Healthy Lifestyle August 2, 2006 New Research Shows Active Living Every Day a Success at Activating Sedentary Adults June 21, 2006 Four New Directors Elected to the Board of The OASIS Institute April 11, 2006 OASIS Wins National RespectAbility Program of Excellence Award Recognizing Promising Practices in Civic Engagement April 11, 2006 OASIS Awarded $45,000 Grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for Intergenerational Healthy Lifestyles Program January 24, 2006 OASIS Receives $778,424 in Grants from the Missouri Foundation for Health to Improve Physical and Mental Health for Mature Adults January 18, 2006 OASIS President Participates in White House Conference on Aging December 5, 2005 OASIS Founder Marylen Mann Receives AARP Impact Award August 25, 2005 SBC Foundation Funds OASIS Project to Expand Workforce Development and Community Service June 27, 2005 Survey Finds Older Americans, Baby Boomers Want Jobs With a Purpose April 5, 2005 Department Store Helps City Seniors Find Haven to Continue Learning March 16, 2005 AoA's You Can! Steps to Healthier Aging Campaign Recognizes Joint Project of OASIS and San Antonio Partners March 5, 2005 More Seniors Use Technology to Stay Connected New study shows Internet use by mature adults up 6 percent (age 50-64); 9 percent (age 65+) Last update: April 1, 2008 Copyright © 2008. The OASIS Institute. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use