Spring 2025

For 75 years, the Carmel Foundation has provided area seniors with a welcoming space and exceptional services—from stimulating lectures to healthy hot lunches. T he Carmel Foundation President and CEO Kim Stemler wants to spread the word that seniors can enjoy excellent support. “For 75 years, our mission has been very simply to help older adults in our community age successfully,” she says. Services like low-priced hot meals, affordable housing units in Carmel (there is currently a wait list), enrichment activities and more are available to those aged 55 and older. “You don’t have to live in Carmel to come to The Carmel Foundation,” Stemler points out. “We have a woman who takes a bus from Salinas every day for lunch.” Meals are also delivered at a low-cost to home- bound seniors, and curbside pick-up is also available. “Everyone needs nutritious meals,” Stemler points out. “We also provide lots of socialization. We have over 60 classes and programs offered a week.” Along with classes like yoga, woodworking and Qigong, there are regular games, including Texas hold ’em, Mahjong and bridge. There’s a men’s group, a library, and a health and wellness center in progress. A recent development that Stemler is excit- ed about is introducing classes for those who need help navigating services for their aging par- ents. She also hopes that the foundation, which is entirely privately funded and utilizes over 100 volunteers, will inspire other regions. “We’ve created a model, and we hope every community creates their own,” she says. For more information, call 831/624-1588 or visit www.carmelfoundation.org . The Carmel Foundation Celebrates Ser ving Seniors for 75 Years B Y B R E T T WI L BUR SHORT CUTS GIVING BACK Photo: JeLau Photography 98 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 5