Council on Aging – Southern California Receives $1.5 Million Grant from Pacific Life Foundation to Expand Critical Services for Vulnerable Seniors
Irvine, Calif. – June 2026 – The Council on Aging – Southern California (COASC) applauds Pacific Life for its announcement of a record $10 million charitable giving program for 2026, including the launch of a new multi-year initiative to support low-income and vulnerable seniors with a $5 million commitment through 2030.
As part of this landmark investment, the Pacific Life Foundation has awarded a $1.5 million grant to Council on Aging – Southern California to expand essential senior services in Orange County, California. This funding will directly support the growth and accessibility of:
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman services, protecting the rights, dignity and well-being of older and disabled adults in care facilities
- Medicare and benefits counseling through HICAP, providing free, unbiased guidance to older adults navigating complex healthcare decisions
- Senior Protection Program, educating older adults on preventing and addressing elder abuse, fraud, and financial exploitation
“This investment represents more than funding—it’s a commitment to safeguarding dignity, independence, and quality of life for older adults who need it most,” said Lisa W. Jenkins, CEO of Council on Aging – Southern California. “We are deeply grateful to Pacific Life for their leadership and for recognizing the urgency of expanding services for vulnerable seniors in our community.”
COASC serves older adults across Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo, and Mono counties, addressing critical needs related to healthcare education and access, long-term care advocacy, behavioral health, and elder abuse prevention. In Orange County alone, demand for these services continues to rise as the population ages and the complexity of care increases.
The $1.5 million grant will enable COASC to scale outreach, increase counselor and Long-Term Care Ombudsman capacity, and enhance protections for seniors—ensuring more individuals receive timely, trusted support as they navigate some of life’s most challenging transitions.
“At the Pacific Life Foundation, seniors are a strategic focus because too many older adults face complex challenges at a time when they should feel most supported,” said Tennyson Oyler, President of the Pacific Life Foundation. “By investing in organizations like Council on Aging – Southern California, we can help protect dignity, strengthen independence, and expand access to trusted resources that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”