WASHBURN COUNTY -- Washburn County was recently notified that the grant request for “Expanding the Mind via Virtual Reality with Seniors” was approved and has been awarded the amount of $15,000, supported by the Helen Daniels Bader Fund, a Bader Philanthropy. These funds will be used to purchase six sets of Virtual Reality Goggles, equipment and support through Rendever.
In 2015, a group of MIT grad students and technology entrepreneurs launched a company called Rendever for adults in assisted living facilities and seniors suffering from social isolation and depression. They started testing this equipment in the Boston area, and it is now being used throughout the country. VR (Virtual Reality) provides the ability for seniors to socially interact with each other and experience destinations and opportunities that they would otherwise not be able to attain. It is also being used for numerous other applications such as pain management and brain stimulation for those affected by dementia.
Bader Philanthropies recognized the valuable opportunity that this equipment could provide to the rural, isolated older adults in Northern, Wisconsin and we are honored that they chose to support this project in Washburn County. Our goal will be to utilize the equipment throughout the county, in our senior centers, with the homebound and in partnership with other agencies that support older adults and their caregivers.
Rendever professionals will provide personal training to our staff and volunteers in the near future. If you would be interested in volunteering for this project, please contact Linda Hand at 715-635-4460.
The training will be Friday, June 21st at 11:00 in the County Board room in Shell Lake.
About Bader Philanthropies, Inc.:
Milwaukee-based Bader Philanthropies, Inc. is a philanthropic leader in improving the quality of life of the diverse communities in which it works. Through the Helen Daniels Bader Fund and the Isabel and Alfred Bader Fund, the organization funds innovative projects and programs, convenes partners, and shares knowledge to affect emerging issues in key areas. Since its founding in 1992 as the Helen Bader Foundation, the organization has committed more than $300 million in grants and program-related investments, such as loans and equity investments that advance its charitable mission. For more information on Bader Philanthropies, visit www.bader.org.
Last Update: Jun 03, 2019 2:43 pm CDT
