Widow's Mites Project

The Widow’s Mites Project is a non-profit, non-medical homecare agency that provides home health services to the medically and financially vulnerable adults in the Greater Phoenix area.

The concept of The Widow’s Mites Project was developed by the owner of Cast Your Cares, a for-profit non-medical homecare agency based in Mesa, Arizona.  It was during her travels that she recognized the sea of older adults who were in great need of help in their homes, but who were unable to pay for such services.   

According to the US Census Bureau, (2010), there are 450,000 adults over 65 living in Maricopa County, with an expected population to reach 700,000 by 2017.   25% of these adults have chronic illnesses.    10% of that 2010 figure live at. or below the poverty level ($11,800).  Another 25% receive social security income of less than $26,000 per year.  35% receive combined social security and pensions of up to $45,000 per year.     65% of those who qualify to file for social security benefits do so early at 62, due to illnesses that prevent them from continuing to work full time.  Women over 80 are particularly vulnerable, as they lose half of their monthly income when their husbands pass away.  

Arizona’s Medicaid system for those over 65 (ALTCS) provides a safety net for those older adults whose monthly income does not exceed $2130 and who have savings of less than $2,000.   Although a patient might qualify financially, unless they meet the full medical requirements they are denied services.   70% of first time filers are denied acceptance into the system.     The Project will provide paralegal services to oversee start to finish filing. 

The Widow’s Mites Project will partner with other Greater Phoenix area qualified non-medical homecare agencies at a pre-negotiated reduced rate for services.   Certified nurses assistants, certified caregivers or companions with experience caring for their own families will provide personal care such as bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, meal preparation and errands.    The client’s disposable income will be evaluated and services will be offered at either no charge or a greatly reduced rate, depending on their ability to pay.  The Widow’s Mites Project will contribute the remaining funds for the provided services. 

The name for The Widow’s Mites Project comes from the New Testament story in both the Books of Luke and Mark, which depicts a indigent widow who gave her last two mites (the lowest denomination of Roman coin, about ¼ cent) into the treasury.  It is the belief of our company that there are vast numbers of elderly and sick in our Valley who have given all to their families and country, only to be left alone and without help in their homes.  

 
The first Baby Boomers turned 65 in January 2011 and by 2030 that number will have reached 74 million.  We have a tsunami of need headed our direction in the coming years and The Widow’s Mites Project stands equip to fill in the gap for care. 

 

Patty Gray

President/Founder

www.thewidowsmitesproject.org

patty@thewidowsmitsproject.org

480 268-3220

480 737-4708