Lincoln Hills Foundation
Enhancing the Quality of Life for Senior Residents
Bingo News
The Lincoln Hills Foundation
Who We Are, What We Do and Why It Matters
Our Mission
“To promote and fund programs and services that enhance the quality of life for seniors in Sun City Lincoln Hills and the greater Lincoln community.”
Our Origins
The Lincoln Hills Foundation (LHF) was incorporated in 2002 as a nonprofit public-benefit corporation. Del Webb pioneered his vision of communities for active adults with a defined lifestyle, beginning in Arizona, and coming to California in the late 1990’s with first, Sun City Roseville, and then Sun City Lincoln Hills. As these communities were for active adults older than 55, the Company recognized that at some point in time there would be residents whose needs exceeded the active adult model. Del Webb used a blend of corporate philanthropy and encouraged partnerships with resident-led non-profits to assist with essential services not provided by the Sun City HOA to assist residents whose needs went beyond golf and glee.
In Sun City Lincoln Hills, that support and collaboration began with a donation from the Del Webb Construction Company. A group of Lincoln Hills residents were approached to form the Lincoln Hills Foundation with the support of both the Homeowner’s Association and Del Webb. Del Webb provided $5,000 in seed money for legal expenses to establish the Foundation as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Foundation was created to help residents whose needs extend beyond the “active adult” lifestyle envisioned in Del Webb’s model communities. That was the genesis of the Lincoln Hills Foundation we have today.
Partnership with the Association
The Lincoln Hills Foundation (LHF) and the Sun City Lincoln Hills Community Association have maintained a strong, mutually beneficial partnership since the Foundation’s inception in 2002. This relationship embodies Del Webb’s original vision for a community that supports residents across the stages of aging. The Association provides the Foundation with invaluable amenities such as meeting rooms, access to communication channels, and use of the Ballroom for fundraising events. In turn, the Foundation invests in projects that strengthen wellness, connections, and support outside of the programs provided by the HOA. Lincoln Hills residents are the Foundation’s largest donor base, as well as recipients of the majority of the services provided, and they benefit directly from the organization’s efforts. Examples of this partnership in action include:
- Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout Association facilities.
- Financial support for resident-led support groups, including caregiver, hearing, bereavement, LoVision, and chronic condition groups such as Alzheimer’s/Dementia.
- Grants for Wellness and Caregiver Programs that address the physical and emotional needs of aging residents.
- Discount tickets for transportation.
- Sponsorship of special Association events, such as transportation for the 25th Anniversary Celebration, which brought together residents from across the community.
The Foundation and the Homeowner’s Association are separate legal entities. However, they collaborate closely on community welfare, safety, and quality-of-life initiatives. This partnership reflects a shared commitment: the Association provides space, visibility, and access, while the Foundation provides financial resources, programs, and long-term stability for residents’ well-being. From the very beginning, back in November 2002, the Association Board unanimously approved the first, annual, formal Facility Use Agreement for the Lincoln Hills Foundation’s Bingo in the Ballroom events without charge. This model of cooperation continues to this day to make our community strong, connected, and caring.
Governance and Transparency
The Lincoln Hills Foundation is independent and resident-led, governed by a volunteer board of directors and no paid staff. No member dues or assessments fund the Foundation and 100% of donations received go toward programs that benefit the community. All financial records, including IRS Form 990s and Annual Reports, are available at lincolnhillsfoundation.org .
Why We Serve Beyond Lincoln Hills
The Foundation’s Articles of Incorporation encourage collaboration within our region. Lincoln Hills residents rely on many city-wide or county-wide services which the Foundation supports through grants, such as Dial-a-Ride, Lincoln Fire and Police AED programs, City of Lincoln Senior Center, food, and senior supplies through Seniors First Meals-on-Wheels and The Salt Mine. These programs benefit Lincoln Hills both directly and indirectly as they are part of the civic structure, we all depend on every day.
Community Impact
| SCLH Direct Support: $11,425 | |
| Multiple Sclerosis Bosom Buddies Alzheimer/Dementia Caregivers Hearing Support Neighborhood Watch Bereavement LoVision | These support groups and others help Lincoln Hills residents directly with support, education, friendship, and advocacy. |
| SCLH Indirect Support: $50,000 Del Oro Family Caregivers Resource Center | LHF provides grants for respite care for LH residents who are family caregivers. |
| Lincoln Area Services: $128,099 | |
| Friends of the Lincoln Library Silver Wishes The Salt Mine Lighthouse Counseling and Family Resource Center | Seniors in Lincoln Hills and seniors in the Lincoln Community benefit from these grants directly. |
Reserve Fund Stewardship
Since the beginning, the Lincoln Hills Foundation recognized the obligation to maintain and grow a Reserve Fund to sustain the organization in perpetuity, regardless of the changing market and the annual level of donations. The Reserve Fund holds a minimum of five (5) years of budgeted grant funds in reserve. In the event that fundraising donations do not reach the level of proposed or approved grant funding, the Board may withdraw capital from the Reserve Fund to meet current and future needs of our grantees. This approach follows established best practices for community-based charitable foundations and provides assurance to our grantees that they will never be left high and dry for funding of the important work they do supporting our seniors.
Join Us
The Lincoln Hills Foundation is powered by individuals and partners who care about the well-being of our community. Your donations stay right here, serving your neighbors and sustaining the vision that Del Webb began more than two decades ago.
Visit www.lincolnhillsfoundation.org to learn more, and see how you can get involved.
Lincoln Hills Foundation – March Madness
By Denise Bowden
March is a month of changes. The big change is that for this month only Bingo is on a Friday, so mark your calendars for Friday, March 20th for this one time only.
We also change our clocks forward for Daylight Savings and mid-month we will be busy celebrating Pi Day (apple or cherry anyone?), Saint Patrick’s Day with green beer, and corned beef and cabbage and the Vernal Equinox when night and day are equal in length.
March is also when we celebrate Caregiver Appreciation Day to acknowledge those who give of themselves to take care of loved ones struggling with health issues. Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center is a tremendous resource and one of the organizations the Foundation supports through our grant process. A Q&A with their Executive Director appears later in this issue.
We will be shining the spotlight on the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group this month at Bingo. This group provides a safe, confidential space for caregivers and individuals with dementia to share experiences, exchange practical caregiving tips, reduce isolation, and receive emotional validation.
Mark your calendar for Friday, March 20th for Bingo in the ballroom. Don’t forget to bring your water bottles. Doors open at 12:30 and play starts at 1:00. Twelve cards for $25, with exact change appreciated. Payouts are $100 for the first eleven games and $250 for the final game. Make an afternoon of it and enjoy lunch at Meridians beforehand.
Bringing a group? We are taking table reservations. Email your request to lincolnhillsfoundation@gmail.com.
Looking to volunteer? Interested in being part of our Bingo team? Contact us at www.lincolnhillsfoundation.org.
Recent Testimonials
The Lincoln Hills Foundation provides grants to the Lincoln library for the purchase of large print books.
Here are two recent testimonials.
“My elderly mother has eye problems that prevent her from seeing clearly. She is an avid life-long reader. Without large print books, she would not be able to enjoy reading or keep her mind active. The selection at the Lincoln Library is wide-ranging and up-to-date. There’s always something new for her to discover and enjoy. Please keep supporting the large print collection and make reading accessible to all. Thank you.”
“I don’t know what I would do without this wonderful large print section of books – I would not be able to enjoy the hours or reading I can now enjoy! I live alone, have macular degeneration and love the availability of large print books – especially mysteries! Thank you for giving my eyes ‘life in reading’ through large print books here the Lincoln Library!”
Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center –
Q and A with Executive Director, Michelle Nevins
Q: What is Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center?
A: Del Oro CRC is a private nonprofit organization that supports family caregivers who care for adults with cognitive impairments or chronic or disabling conditions. We provide guidance, resources, and programs designed to help caregivers manage the emotional, physical, and financial challenges that come with caregiving.
Q: Who does Del Oro serve?
A: Through funding from the Lincoln Hills Foundation, we support unpaid family caregivers caring for adults with dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s, MS, and ALS.
Q: Specific to Sun City Lincoln Hills what types of services are available to caregivers?
A: Del Oro begins with a comprehensive caregiver assessment that helps determine a plan of care. Services may include counseling, support, educational workshops, respite assistance, and help navigating community resources.
Q: Why do you think people might hesitate asking for support?
A: There are many reasons. Family caregivers often believe they can manage on their own and may not reach out until their loved one’s condition progresses and the demands become overwhelming. We want to help families avoid crisis situations because decisions are more difficult to make under pressure. Some caregivers may view seeking support as a sign of weakness, but we see it as an important step in maintaining their own well-being.
Q: What is a caregiver assessment?
A: It’s a one‑on‑one conversation with a family consultant to understand the caregiver’s needs, stress level, and challenges. From there, a personalized care plan is created.
Q: Is there a cost for these services?
A: Thanks to an annual grant from the Lincoln Hills Foundation, services are provided at no cost to family caregivers in Sun City Lincoln Hills.
Q: Do you offer respite care?
A: Yes. Del Oro can help caregivers access temporary relief services so they can rest, attend appointments, or take care of personal needs. Respite care comes in the form of Adult Day Care, In-Home Care, or a Short-Term stay in an Assisted Living Facility, or a combination of these options.
Q: How can someone get started?
A: Caregivers can call the center directly at (916) 728-9333 or visit our secure, HIPPA-compliant online portal at https://www.deloro.org/carenav to complete an initial screening to begin the process to become a client.
Q: Does Del Oro offer classes or workshops?
A: Yes. We host educational programs on topics such as dementia care, stress management, legal and financial planning, and caregiver self‑care. A list of upcoming events is available at www.deloro.org/events.
Q: Are support groups available?
A: Del Oro offers support groups where caregivers can connect with others, share experiences, and receive emotional support. Visit https://www.deloro.org/support-groups to find a group near you.
Q: Why is caregiver support so important?
A: Being a caregiver can be emotionally and physically demanding. Without support, caregivers face higher risks of burnout, depression, and health problems. Del Oro helps caregivers stay healthy, resilient, and connected.
Q: What makes Del Oro unique?
A: Our approach is personal, compassionate, and tailored. Each caregiver receives individualized guidance—there is no one‑size‑fits‑all solutions.
Q: How can this community help?
A: Community members can spread awareness by letting friends and neighbors know about Del Oro and the partnership with the Lincoln Hills Foundation. Donations to the Foundation help sustain caregiver programs specific to members of SCLH.
Q: What is the one thing you want people to take away from reading this article about your programs?
A: Do not walk the caregiving journey alone. We are here to support you, and we are honored to do so.
Bingo
Bring your friends and neighbors for Bingo at the Orchard Creek Lodge. Stop by Meridian’s to enjoy a Bingo Lunch Special before the games begin!
2026 Bingo Dates
- Thursday, January 22
- Thursday, February 26
- Friday, March 20
- Thursday, April 23
- Thursday, May 28
- Thursday, June 25
- Thursday, August 20
- Thursday, September 24
- Thursday, October 22
- Thursday, November 19
Transportation: Dial-a-Ride
The Lincoln Hills Foundation is delighted that our Transportation Assistance Program, Dail-a-Ride, has met with so much success. This initiative is designed to support seniors* and individuals with disabilities, offering them a convenient and affordable way to move around the City of Lincoln.
Program Features:
- Affordable Rides: Through the Dial-A-Ride shared-ride service, eligible riders can enjoy significantly reduced transportation costs for various purposes, including medical appointments, shopping, meetings, recreational activities, and social visits.
- Special Offer: A 20 RIDE SENIOR PACKET is available at the discounted price of $10, courtesy of a Lincoln Hills Foundation grant. The standard cost of this package is $21.25.
- How to Access: For more information or to purchase the 20 RIDE PACKET, please call 916-543-8436.
Details:
- Reservations: Call (916) 745-7560 to schedule your ride.
- Service Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
- Saturday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Booking: Appointments can be made up to 2 weeks in advance on a first-come, first-served basis. While it’s possible to secure a spot a few days before your trip, early scheduling is recommended to ensure availability.
- Pick-Up Protocol: Riders will be given a specific pick-up time upon making a reservation. The Dial-A-Ride bus is allowed a 15-minute window around this time for arrival. Passengers should be ready and waiting as the bus will only wait for 3 minutes before departure.
Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your mobility and independence within the Lincoln community.
Food Insecurity Among Seniors
Did you know that in past years, 5.5 million seniors aged 60+ faced hunger. That’s 1 in 14 seniors or 7.1% of all seniors. Hunger takes a severe toll on seniors’ health and nutrition – putting them at risk for chronic health conditions like depression, asthma, and diabetes.
The Lincoln Hills Foundation funds grants to organizations that provide food or meals to seniors facing food insecurity. The Salt Mine located here in downtown Lincoln provides food and pantry boxes at no cost to seniors. These boxes may include produce, dairy products, and bread. Items in fresh boxes vary based on availability. Please check out the Salt Mine if you or someone you know is in need.
The Salt Mine Food Pantry, 590 G Street, Lincoln, 916-645-3778
Multiple Sclerosis Support Group of Lincoln
At the National MS Society annual fundraising walk, the Multiple Sclerosis Support Group of Lincoln, known as the Lincoln Trailmixers, demonstrated exceptional dedication and community spirit. Supported by grants from the Lincoln Hills Foundation, they not only actively participated but also achieved significant fundraising success.
Highlights:
- The Lincoln Trailmixers participated in the National MS Society’s annual walk, raising significant funds for the cause.
- Achieved second place in the fundraising event, showcasing the team’s dedication and community support.
- The Lincoln Hills Foundation supports the MS Support Group by funding meeting space and online class tuition, enabling continued education and support for members.
CPR Can Save a Life – Especially Yours!
A recent CPR class attendee shares a compelling testimonial on how the training proved crucial, not just in potentially saving others but remarkably in saving themselves. After attending a CPR class with the intent to assist friends or neighbors in emergencies, they faced an unexpected situation where they had to apply the Heimlich maneuver on themselves due to a choking incident at home. This story highlights the indispensable value of CPR knowledge, especially for those living alone.
Contributing to Saving Lives in Sun City Lincoln Hills
The Lincoln Hills Foundation (LHF) funds solutions and programs that enhance the quality of life for the senior residents of the Lincoln community. The LHF, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Lincoln Hills that designates every donation dollar to grants for programs and services, has been focused on the well-being of seniors since 2002.
Project Lifesaver
The Lincoln Hills Foundation was one of the initial funders for Project Lifesaver which began in June 2021 through the Lincoln Police Department (LPD). Project Lifesaver is an international search and rescue program designed to locate wandering, missing persons diagnosed with Cognitive Disorders and return them safely to their caregivers.
Recent News
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New Dial-A-Ride envelopes keep tickets secure in a purse or pocket
Lincoln Hills Foundation Dial-A-Ride program lead Pauline Watson with Sandy McKenna showing off the new and improved Dial-A-Ride ticket envelope.
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Lincoln Hills Foundation – New Year, New Member on Board
The first couple of months of each year bring changes that set the tone for going forward. The Lincoln Hills Foundation uses January and February to evaluate the year past and make plans for the year ahead. In January we installed our officers for 2025 with one significant change. Our long-time Vice President and Grant Committee…
Our Mission
The Mission of the Lincoln Hills Foundation is to promote and fund solutions and programs that will enhance the quality of life for senior residents of the Lincoln Community.