Programs

Vital Life Foundation creates programs that connect employees, residents, charities and communities in the spirit of philanthropy and service.

Backpack to School

Backpack to School

Since 2008, this program has distributed over 25,000+ backpacks to children (students k-6) across 14+ states, thanks to the support of 100+ senior healthcare campuses and business collaborators.

The Backpack to School program is a Vital Life Foundation initiative providing essential school supplies to children in grades K–6 whose parents work in senior healthcare communities. Our mission is to relieve the financial burden of back-to-school shopping, often exceeding $100 per child.

We work with Albertina Kerr (previously Exceed Enterprise) to fill the backpacks, supporting meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Each year, participating campuses host special backpack distribution parties, where senior residents personally hand out fully supplied backpacks to the children. These events opportunity for intergenerational connection, reinforcing our commitment to providing purposeful enrichment opportunities for aging adults.

Learn More about Backpack to School

Bringing Elevated Wishes to Life

Elevated Wishes

Through our partnership with Wish of a Lifetime from AARP, the Elevated Wishes program empowers seniors to pursue once-in-a-lifetime experiences. These unique opportunities are designed to create joy, strengthen connections, and renew purpose for seniors. Fulfilling a senior’s Elevated Wish may include reaching a recovery goal, re-experiencing an important life event, or crossing something off their bucket list.

Learn More about Elevated Wishes

Honoring Our Heroes

Journey of Heroes

Wish of a Lifetime from AARP and the Vital Life Foundation have teamed up to create the Journey of Heroes, an initiative that honors senior veterans with a visit to Washington, D.C. to see the national memorials that were created in honor of their service and sacrifices.

Learn More about Journey of Heroes