United Church Homes Awarded $275K Federal Grant to Tackle Falls Among Older Adults Nationwide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Ashley Bills, Corporate Director of Communications & Media Relations
740.525.5703 or [email protected]

 United Church Homes Awarded $275K Federal Grant to Tackle Falls Among Older Adults Nationwide

Marion, OH (July 9, 2025) United Church Homes (UCH), a nonprofit leader in senior living and aging services, has been awarded a $275,750 grant from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) through the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) Innovation Lab.

One of just 18 organizations nationwide selected for the award, UCH will use the funding to launch and evaluate new falls prevention strategies across its network of more than 75 affordable housing communities in 15 states and two Native American nations.

Falls remain the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. UCH’s two-year initiative aims to address this growing public health concern with evidence-based programming that builds strength, educates residents and reduces fear.

The initiative includes two original programs developed by UCH staff:

• STAY STRONG, a fitness program designed to improve strength and balance.
• STEADY STEPS, an educational and social engagement program focused on fall risk awareness.

Both programs will be delivered through live, virtual sessions via UCH’s YouTube channel and will engage more than 3,000 older adults. Licensed physical therapists, service coordinators and resident ambassadors will work together to lead and support program delivery.

“We are honored to receive this grant to address the critical issue of falls prevention for our affordable housing residents,” said Ken Young, president and CEO of United Church Homes. “This funding allows us to implement innovative strategies that will enhance the safety and quality of life for older adults. We are proud to be among a select group of organizations recognized for this important work.”

Headquartered in Marion with offices in Columbus, United Church Homes serves more than 7,000 older adults nationwide and is committed to transforming the experience of aging through innovative, compassionate solutions.

For more information about the falls prevention program or United Church Homes, visit www.unitedchurchhomes.org or contact [email protected].

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For more than a century, United Church Homes has been dedicated to transforming the lives of older adults with quality housing and compassionate care. Now recognized as the 19th largest multisite nonprofit senior living organization in the U.S., according to the 2024 LeadingAge Ziegler 200 ranking, UCH proudly serves nearly 7,000 residents across more than 90 vibrant communities in 15 states and two Native American nations. Driven by a mission to redefine aging, UCH creates a culture of community, wholeness and peace for those it has the honor to serve. As a founding member of Radiant Alliance, United Church Homes continues to lead the way in shaping the future of senior living.