There are moments in history when we’re forced to look in the mirror and decide who we truly are – moments when the gap between our ideals and our reality becomes too wide to ignore. Today is one such moment, and we are confronted, as a country, with a fundamental question: Who are we, and who do we choose to become?
America was built on the bold declaration that everyone is created equal and endowed with undeniable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And while we’ve made some meaningful progress toward that ideal, the truth is that we are still struggling to fully realize it. And that struggle is nowhere more visible than in the lives of older adults who, after a lifetime of contributing to their families, communities, and country, face the compounded effects of injustice and inequality.
Structural racism, poverty, and discrimination don’t fade with age; they accumulate. And for too many, growing older means falling further behind. And now, just as their needs are growing, the ground beneath them is shifting.
We are witnessing an alarming retreat by the federal government: disinvestment in aging services, proposed cuts to Medicaid, and the elimination of vital programs that serve as lifelines for millions. These policy choices aren’t abstract; they are felt in the rising anxiety of an older adult who can’t afford medication, in the fear of a caregiver left without support, and in the despair of families watching long-promised protections unravel. According to the California Budget & Policy Center, proposed Medicaid cuts would impact over a third of the state’s population – with Valadao's, Costa's and Gray's congressional districts in San Joaquin Valley disproportionately impacted since more than 60 percent of their residents are enrolled in Medi-Cal.
At Archstone Foundation, we believe justice demands more than words. It requires action. Especially in turbulent times, we must stand firm in our values: equity, dignity, and an unshakable commitment to those too often pushed to the margins.
Urgent and intentional action is needed. We’ve heard from so many of our partners. The fear of the unknown, the grieving of what was and the frustrations of what might soon be if there’s no action. We hear you. We are with you. And so, we are launching a plan to meet this moment head on. Our rapid response efforts provide timely, flexible funding to meet the urgent needs of older Californians and their caregivers, confronting new threats to their health and well-being. By supporting community-led solutions during moments of crisis or emerging opportunity, we will help ensure continuity of care, promote equity, and strengthen local systems of support.
Centering Justice and Equity
The Foundation believes justice is not only an aspiration; it’s also a collective responsibility. We are grounded in a vision of all people – no matter their background, income, or zip code – aging with dignity, purpose, and respect. And we know that achieving this requires more than intention. It requires centering justice and equity in everything we do.
Justice ensures fairness and tackles systemic barriers. Equity offers resources and opportunities tailored to individual needs. Diversity embraces and uplifts all identities and experiences. Inclusion cultivates environments where everyone is valued, heard, and empowered.
Our JEDI principles shape how we engage, fund, and collaborate. The principle of centering community perspective is at the core of our rapid response efforts. We understand those most affected are integral to developing solutions, and we prioritize partners that incorporate or strive to incorporate cultural, linguistic, and local knowledge of the communities we serve. Instead of assuming our partners’ needs, we ask about their most pressing concerns, not only for the short term but also as part of a long-term commitment to justice.
A Rapid Response Grounded in Community Voices
Many of our partners are anxious about potential cuts to critical federal programs – particularly those serving older adults, caregivers, immigrants, and low-income families. As those threats intensify, we are convening more frequently and acting with more urgency. We are also hearing resounding calls for advocacy, civic engagement, and clear and accessible information to assist organizations in navigating the changes. We have responded by aligning our actions with those most directly affected, amplifying grassroots voices, and creating space for collective problem-solving.
Flexibility When It’s Needed Most
Flexibility is essential during uncertain times. We are allowing current grantees to reallocate funds toward general operating support for immediate needs. Whether it's covering staff salaries, legal counsel, or other capacity requirements, we trust that our partners understand their communities best.
This is not a one-time gesture. It reflects our belief that philanthropy should be responsive and developed for resilience.
Space to Reflect and Act Together
We know that in moments of challenge, there is also power – in coming together, in listening deeply, and in acting collectively. As we face rising threats to the health and dignity of older adults, this is not a time to act alone. It is a time to build together. That is why we will convene a small group of grantees this summer to reflect, learn, and create strategies for advocacy, communication, and education in the face of ongoing challenges. The gathering will be collaborative and grounded in the realities of the people we serve. And our learnings will help inform strategies for the benefit of current and future partners.
We’re also exploring a strategic communication campaign to ensure policymakers and the public understand the real-world consequences of Medicaid cuts and other harmful policy proposals. These efforts will share the lived experiences of those most affected by cuts and use data to validate their stories.
A Long-Term Commitment
The work of justice is not a sprint. It’s a sustained, collective effort. And while we’ve made progress, the path ahead remains long and our pace must remain urgent. The work is not finished. But neither are we.
Our approach to rapid response involves forward thinking, not just acting quickly and carefully. As we reflect on what we’ve learned from our partners, we identify ways to integrate this feedback into our future planning.
“Listening to our community is essential. So is our commitment to action,” says Archstone Foundation’s President and CEO, Rigo Saborio. “As we incorporate suggestions from discussions with partners into our long-term strategy, we are dedicated to ensuring the voices of those most affected influence our response and drive our initiatives. This is how we create a society that values older adults and prioritizes community-led change.”
In a time of rapid policy shifts and growing uncertainty, we know that no single organization can do this alone. That’s why we’ve compiled resources for funders, advocates, and community leaders. By staying connected, elevating community wisdom, and championing equity-driven solutions, we can navigate today’s challenges and build a more just future for older Californians and those who care for them.
We are in this for the long haul – undaunted, united, and unshaken in our purpose.
Together, we will rise to meet this moment with clarity and courage. We will advance the work of justice, not just for some, but for all.
Because a future where everyone can age with dignity and possibility is within our reach. If we move forward – united, strategic, and clear-eyed; with urgency, with purpose, and with each other – we will be a force that no disinvestment can silence.
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