VERO BEACH — By the River hosted its first cocktail reception last week at the Riomar Bay home of K.C. and Von Barkley. Guests were introduced to the mission and vision of this first-of-its kind, Sebastian-based nonprofit.
By the River provides affordable housing to 41 low-income seniors in an independent living community and life-enriching programs for both residents and outreach clients in northern Indian River County. A question and answer session addressed questions from many of the guests who were eager to find out more about By the River, its needs and how they might be able to support the organization through donations, volunteer opportunities or hosting similar receptions. Appetizers were donated by Elizabeth D. Kennedy & Co.
“We’d like to do this again for By the River,” said K.C. Barkley. “They are fulfilling a great need in this community for seniors, who are often overlooked. The truth is we’re all going to get there someday and we need to take care of our seniors.”
By the River was founded by spiritual teacher Ma Jaya as a way to provide low-income seniors with a place to call “home” and live affordably and comfortably in community. By the River offers a full spectrum of programs designed to keep older residents active and engaged in life, including intergenerational activities, volunteer opportunities, art and music classes, health lectures, fitness plans, yoga and day trips.
“Help us turn a life of isolation into one of companionship and joy,” said Patti Rooney, CFO at By the River. When asked what the community’s immediate needs were, Rooney explained, “Our immediate needs are to create donations to cover operating expenses. We raise about half of our operating funds through rents collected from our low-income residents, but these rents range from $300-500 per month depending on the residents’ income. We raise about 50 percent of our income through rent and must raise another 50 percent to maintain operations and fund the programs and services we provide.”
Durga Das Hutner, president of BTR added, “First, we want to become self-sustaining. In the future, we’d like to build a multi-purpose facility to house activities for our residents, create a healthy food program in addition to being a Congregate Meal Site for the Senior Resource Association, build an endowment to create long-term sustainability and replicate our vision in other places in Florida because there are many other seniors in need.”
For more information about By the River, or to get involved, volunteer or donate, please call (772) 388-5858 or visit www.ByTheRiver.org.