Join Our $50 for 50 Campaign
Introducing The NewBridge $50 for 50 Campaign, An invitation to join other dedicated supporters in celebrating our 50th anniversary while transforming the lives of older adults in Madison for the next 50 years. We’re asking the asking 2,000 community members to make a one time $50 donation to reach our $100,000 goal!
100% of the funds from this campaign will support NewBridge programs that address social isolation and connect older adults to the resources they need to thrive.
Approximately 34% of older adults in the U.S., aged 50 to 80, report feeling socially isolated (National Poll on Healthy Aging) (@NCOAging). This figure highlights the significant challenge of loneliness among older adults, impacting their mental and physical health. Social isolation is often exacerbated by factors such as living alone, mobility issues, and health problems (National Poll on Healthy Aging) (CDC).
"People often said what is the problem and why is it taking so long for NewBridge to find you housing? I say to them " they make sure it's what you need and not what you want". What can be better than that? God bless NewBridge today, tomorrow and in the Future. "
NewBridge Madison was formed through the merger of four long-standing Madison senior coalitions:
East Madison/Monona Coalition of the Aging (EMMCA)
North/Eastside Senior Coalition (NESCO)
South Madison Coalition of the Elderly (SMCE)
West Madison Senior Coalition (WMSC)
Founded: 1973
EMMCA began as a grassroots effort by neighborhood church leaders and older adults in east Madison and Monona. These community members came together to create programs that addressed shared needs, including nutrition, socialization, and advocacy for older adults.
In 1974, EMMCA was officially incorporated as a private, nonprofit organization, and between 1975 and 1980, it received funding to launch its first programs, including outreach and nutrition services. Outreach evolved into case management in the 1980s, with staff working individually with older adults to connect them to essential services, enabling them to live safely and independently.
In 1987, EMMCA launched its Home Chore Program, matching volunteers with low-income older adults to assist with household tasks. This program allowed older adults to remain in their homes longer. In the early 2000s, EMMCA expanded its impact by purchasing a building and establishing an Adult Day Center, which provided a unique, homelike setting for older adults needing daytime care and support.
EMMCA became known for its personalized approach to case management and its ability to innovate programs that directly addressed the needs of older adults in its community.
Founded: 1975
SMCE was rooted in the vibrant and diverse South Madison community. Early leadership came from church congregations like Mt. Zion and St. Mark’s, as well as families like the Wrights, Franklins, Banks, and Knoxes. These leaders recognized the need for coordinated services to support older adults in their neighborhoods.
The coalition was officially incorporated in 1975, with operations based at the newly constructed Romnes Senior Apartments. The organization focused on connecting older adults to meal programs, transportation, and other vital services.
Under the leadership of Kathleen Stoga, who became Executive Director in 1984, SMCE experienced significant growth. Over her 27-year tenure, SMCE expanded its programs to address the unique needs of South Madison’s diverse and economically challenged population. SMCE’s deep ties to the community allowed it to address issues such as food insecurity, housing challenges, and cultural inclusion.
Condensed General History
1965: The Older Americans Act establishes federal and state senior programs.
1971: Wisconsin enables counties to fund senior citizen groups.
1974: Four Madison Coalitions are formed through efforts by Madison Urban Ministry, church groups, the Dane County Commission on Aging, and the City of Madison.
1975–1980: Funding supports senior outreach and nutrition programs in local churches.
1980–1990: Outreach evolves into case management, helping seniors access services for independence and safety.
2019-Ongoing: The four coalitions merge to create NewBridge. The decision to merge these four coalitions into NewBridge Madison came from a shared recognition that combining resources and expertise would allow for greater efficiency, broader reach, and a stronger collective impact in Madison.
Founded: 1975
NESCO began with the vision of Rev. Gerhardt Hillmer and Arnold and Sylvia Foss, who formalized the organization to support older adults on Madison’s north and east sides. Its first office was housed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, and its early focus included outreach, nutrition programs, and social activities like Bingo and card games.
As the older adult population grew, so did NESCO’s services. Staff began assisting older adults with chores, benefit applications, and transportation to medical appointments. By the 1980s, case management became a critical component, providing personalized support to older adults in navigating resources and maintaining independence.
In 1995, the organization changed its name to the North/Eastside Senior Coalition, reflecting its broader reach. In 1998, NESCO moved into the Warner Park Community Center, where it expanded its offerings, including cultural diversity programs for Latino and African American older adults, and continued to be a central hub for services for older adults.
Founded: 1974
WMSC was formed through the efforts of westside churches and organizations, with a focus on helping older adults maintain their independence. Early on, it coordinated nutrition programs funded by the Older Americans Act, using meal sites as a way to provide both nourishment and a sense of community for older adults.
In 1979, WMSC opened the Segoe Terrace Senior Center, which became a focal point for social, educational, and recreational activities for westside older adults. In 1987, the coalition introduced the Home Chore Volunteer Program, a citywide initiative that matched volunteers with older adults needing assistance with household tasks to help them age in place.
WMSC also emphasized health and wellness, launching programs like the Low Vision Support Group and hosting monthly health screenings. By the 1990s, WMSC expanded its focus to include individualized case management, helping isolated older adults access the resources they needed.
WMSC was known for fostering independence and interdependence among older adults, empowering them to make decisions about their care and well-being.
