CARIE was founded in 1977 by a coalition of groups and individuals, including the Friends’ Committee on Aging, the Lutheran Council on Aging, and the Grey Panthers. Originally conceived as a project of the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia (PILCOP), it was funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging. In 1979 CARIE incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization and was initially supported as a VISTA volunteer project. Pictured to the right is CARIE’s founding Executive Director, Bernice Soffer, who served from 1979 -1995.
Scope – Entire Delaware Valley and Beyond
Pioneer in the Service Mediation Approach
CARIE has pioneered the service mediation approach whereby agency staff intervenes at points of crisis, bolster the family’s ability to cope, and help caregivers to understand and pursue the best available options for elder care. Through its on-going system wide advocacy, CARIE has developed a national network of contacts, including service providers, policy makers, elected officials, and consumers.
Commitment to Improving the Service System
In addition to its direct service activity, CARIE is committed to improving the service system. Its community education program works to raise public awareness through informational brochures, a speakers’ bureau, a periodic newsletter, and public service announcements. Advocacy is also accomplished through its many members and committees. Issues are identified by the committees then organizing strategies are developed by the committee. This work has been instrumental in having Older Adult Protective Services legislation in Pennsylvania and has also worked to reform guardianship laws and provide for advance directive legislation. It has worked to shape regulations in long-term care to support consumer rights and access to care.
