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Building a Circle of Care: How Elder Orphan Care Strengthens Cabarrus County

By Cindy Stone and Avalin Inman

Walk into any neighborhood in Cabarrus County, and behind many doors live older adults who are aging alone after spending their lives raising families, building careers, and contributing to their community—Elder Orphan Care exists for them.

Elder Orphan Care is dedicated to providing help and hope to older adults who are aging alone or without adequate support. Through compassionate services, strong community partnerships, and a focus on human dignity, Elder Orphan Care has become a vital part of what makes Cabarrus County a caring and connected place to call home.

The Heart Behind the Mission

Elder Orphan Care began with a simple but profound belief: no one should have to face aging alone. For many seniors in Cabarrus County, the later years of life bring challenges such as mobility issues, chronic health conditions, transportation barriers, and financial strain. Without family members or caregivers to help, these challenges can quickly lead to isolation.

Isolation, as research shows, is more than just a social problem—it is a health crisis. Studies have found that prolonged loneliness can have the same negative health effects as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. For older adults, that isolation often comes with increased risk of falls, depression, and preventable hospitalizations.

Elder Orphan Care’s mission is to interrupt that cycle by surrounding each person they serve with what they call a Circle of Care. Through programs that meet both practical and emotional needs, the organization helps older adults age safely at home while feeling valued and connected.

“If they have a pulse, they have a purpose,” says Kim Jackson, Executive Director of Elder Orphan Care. “We want every person we serve to know they are seen, loved, and still have worth and meaning in our community.”

Safe and Loved at Home

One of the organization’s cornerstone programs, Safe and Loved at Home, ensures that older adults who are aging alone can continue to live independently with dignity.

This begins with a comprehensive, in-home assessment. Licensed occupational therapists from Elder Orphan Care visit each individual’s home to evaluate safety risks—like trip hazards, lack of grab bars, or inaccessible bathrooms—and to assess the senior’s mobility and overall well-being.

From there, the team creates a personalized plan that may include:

  • Home modifications to prevent falls and injuries
  • Medical equipment support, such as walkers or shower chairs, provided at no cost
  • Transportation assistance to medical appointments and essential errands
  • Buddy program matches, pairing a trained volunteer with the senior for social interaction and companionship

Many older adults served by Elder Orphan Care live on fixed incomes and could never afford these services on their own. By removing those barriers, the organization gives people the ability to remain safely in the homes they love while maintaining independence.

But safety is only half the equation.

“Being safe isn’t enough,” says Jackson. “We also want our clients to feel loved. That’s why we emphasize building relationships through our buddy program and social gatherings.”

These gatherings include game days, holiday meals, and other events where seniors can laugh, connect, and form new friendships. It’s common to see older adults paired with younger volunteers and even children from local schools, bridging generations in powerful ways.

The Power of Partnership

Elder Orphan Care’s impact is amplified through its many partnerships across Cabarrus County. The nonprofit works closely with other local organizations such as Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM), Cabarrus County Paramedics, Adult Protective Services, and local churches.

These collaborations form what is known as the Circle of Care, a coordinated network of support for older adults. For example, if a paramedic visits someone during a wellness check and discovers they lack basic household items or mobility aids, they can call Elder Orphan Care to help fill the gap.

This interconnected approach ensures that no one falls through the cracks.

Jackson describes CCM as one of Elder Orphan Care’s most steadfast allies. CCM not only provides shared space but also offers guidance and encouragement as the two organizations work side by side to serve vulnerable neighbors.

“We’ve never wanted to be a lone ranger nonprofit,” Jackson explains. “We believe collaboration is key. In Cabarrus County, there’s a beautiful sense of camaraderie among nonprofits—we all share a common goal of serving people with dignity and care.”

This spirit of teamwork extends to local government as well. Elder Orphan Care received funding through the American Rescue Plan during the pandemic, which allowed them to expand staff and reach more seniors in need. County officials worked closely with the organization, providing guidance and flexibility during uncertain times.

Volunteers: The Heartbeat of the Work

With a small staff of three, Elder Orphan Care relies heavily on its dedicated volunteers—over 100 strong. These volunteers deliver monthly care packages filled with hygiene items, household essentials, and sometimes surprise groceries.

But they also deliver something priceless: human connection.

Many volunteers stay to visit with the older adults they serve, sharing conversations and companionship. After these visits, it’s common for Elder Orphan Care to receive heartfelt messages like, “I’ve never felt so cared for in all my life.”

The buddy program takes this a step further by pairing volunteers with seniors for ongoing relationships. These buddies may make weekly phone calls, take their partner to appointments, or attend social events together.

Through these simple acts of kindness, volunteers help combat the profound loneliness that so many older adults experience.

Meeting Growing Needs in a Growing Community

As Cabarrus County continues to grow, so does the need for services like those provided by Elder Orphan Care. Nationally, more than 11,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day. Locally, this “silver tsunami” is already being felt.

Jackson worries that infrastructure, like affordable and accessible housing and public transportation, is not keeping pace with the rapidly expanding senior population. Many older adults find themselves trapped in their homes, unable to attend community meetings, vote, or access the services they need.

Elder Orphan Care is working to raise awareness about these challenges and to advocate for changes that will make Cabarrus County more age-friendly. This includes pushing for better transportation options and encouraging builders and planners to consider accessibility from the start.

“Older adults deserve a future where they are safe, valued, and connected,” says Jackson. “We want to be a voice for those who don’t have one.”

Stories of Transformation

The true measure of Elder Orphan Care’s work is seen in the lives it touches.

Jackson recalls one woman who initially resisted help but eventually reached out during a moment of crisis. She had been struggling with alcoholism and isolation. Elder Orphan Care’s team immediately rearranged their schedules to get her into a treatment program.

Nine months later, that same woman is sober, thriving, and actively participating in social activities. She now hugs the volunteers who once felt like strangers.

Another example involves a retired Army nurse who had dedicated her life to caring for others. Now living alone and homebound, she found herself without support. Elder Orphan Care stepped in to provide supplies, companionship, and advocacy to ensure that her years of service were honored with dignity and care.

These are just two of the many stories unfolding every day in Cabarrus County thanks to the organization’s work.

Why Elder Orphan Care Makes Cabarrus County Great

At its core, Elder Orphan Care is about fostering a culture of respect for aging. Cabarrus County’s strength lies in its people, and Elder Orphan Care helps ensure that older adults remain part of the community fabric rather than being forgotten or overlooked. By connecting nonprofits, government agencies, volunteers, and families, the organization demonstrates the power of collective action.

Every delivery made, every home modified, every hug shared between a volunteer and an elder—these moments add up to a community where no one ages alone.

As Jackson reflects on the future, she remains hopeful:

“Aging is living. If you’re not aging, you’re not living. We believe every person has value until their very last breath. That belief guides everything we do.”

Through Elder Orphan Care’s dedication, Cabarrus County is becoming a place where neighbors care for neighbors, where older adults aging alone are seen and celebrated, and where everyone—no matter their age—can thrive.

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