1. Matching: Interested seniors and volunteers are matched based on shared interests, hobbies, or proximity.
2. Regular Visits/Phone Calls: Volunteers commit to visiting or calling their adopted senior regularly, ensuring ongoing support, companionship, and social interaction.
3. Assistance with Tasks: Volunteers provide practical help with tasks like grocery shopping, light home repairs, yard work, or organization.
4. Celebrations and Outings: Plan occasional outings or events for adopted seniors, such as birthday celebrations, holiday parties, movie nights, or excursions to local attractions.
5. Communication and Support: Establish a platform for ongoing communication, allowing seniors to reach out for assistance or support when needed.
6. Engage with Community Resources: Connect seniors with additional community resources, such as meal delivery programs, healthcare assistance, or recreational activities.
7. Training and Support: Provide training for volunteers to ensure they are equipped to support seniors effectively. Offer ongoing support and guidance to both seniors and volunteers throughout their participation in the program.
8. Evaluation and Assessments: Conduct periodic assessments to determine the effectiveness of the program and ensure seniors’ needs are being met. Gather feedback from both seniors and volunteers to continually improve the program’s offerings.

Program Benefits

1. Improved mental and emotional well-being for seniors through increased social interaction and companionship.
2. Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation among seniors, leading to a better quality of life.
3. Opportunities for volunteers to make a positive impact on someone’s life while fostering personal growth and learning.
4. Enhanced community connections and increased awareness of seniors’ needs.
5. A sense of purpose and fulfillment for volunteers through meaningful relationships and acts of kindness.

The Adopt A Senior program will not only improve the lives of seniors but also empower community members to contribute to their well-being. By matching dedicated volunteers with seniors in need of support, we can create stronger communities and foster positive aging experiences. This program offers an excellent opportunity for individuals to make a lasting impact on the lives of seniors and help create a more compassionate and caring society.

Selection Process
Application: Candidates will be required to complete an online application form, including a personal statement explaining their interest in becoming a CNA and how it aligns with their long-term goals in the healthcare field.
Review: A scholarship committee consisting of representatives from The Doll Foundation will review all applications and select recipients based on their eligibility, academic achievements, financial need, and commitment to the CNA profession.
Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview to provide more information and demonstrate their passion and dedication for the healthcare field.

Scholarship Benefits:
Financial Assistance: Recipients of the scholarship will receive a monetary award to cover tuition costs related to a CNA certification program paid directly to their school of choice.
Mentorship and Support: Scholarship recipients will have access to mentorship opportunities through The Doll Foundation. Mentors will provide guidance, support, and advice throughout their CNA certification program and beyond.

Application and Deadlines

Application period: The application period will be determined based on the availability of funds and the number of deserving candidates.
Award Announcement: Notification of scholarship recipients will be provided on an ongoing basis throughout the year as awards are granted and funding becomes available.
Disbursement: Scholarship funds will be disbursed directly to the educational institution upon verification of enrollment.

Fundraising
The Doll Foundation will embark on fundraising initiatives to raise funds for the CNA scholarship program. This can include corporate sponsorships, individual donations, fundraising events, and grant applications.

Donors may be recognized through various avenues, such as an acknowledgment on The Doll Foundation’s website, social media platforms, or a mention in scholarship materials.

Evaluation

The scholarship program’s effectiveness will be evaluated periodically to assess the number of individuals who received the scholarship, their progress in the CNA program, and their career achievements in the healthcare field.
Feedback from scholarship recipients and partners will be incorporated to make necessary improvements and adjustments to the program.

By establishing the Doll Foundation CNA Scholarship Program, The Doll Foundation aims to support and empower individuals interested in pursuing a career as Certified Nurse Assistants, ultimately contributing to the overall improvement of the healthcare industry.

Program Components

• Caregiver Respite Vouchers: The foundation will provide eligible family caregivers with respite vouchers that can be redeemed at designated respite care facilities. These vouchers will cover the cost of care for a specified period, allowing the caregivers to take a break without financial constraints.
• Respite Care Provider Network: The foundation will partner with various respite care providers, ensuring a wide range of options for family caregivers to choose from. These providers will undergo a screening process to ensure the quality and appropriateness of the care they deliver.
• Caregiver Training and Education: The foundation will organize training sessions and workshops to equip caregivers with essential skills and knowledge required to provide care effectively. This program will focus on topics such as stress management, self-care, and communication techniques.
• Support Groups: The foundation will establish caregiver support groups where individuals can come together to share experiences, seek advice, and find emotional support from peers facing similar challenges. These support groups will be facilitated by trained professionals who can provide guidance and resources.
• Volunteer Respite Program: The foundation will recruit and train a team of volunteers who can provide short-term respite care services directly in the caregivers’ homes. By providing companionship and temporary relief to caregivers, this program will enable them to take a break without physically leaving their loved ones.

Program Eligibility Criteria

1. The program is open to family caregivers who are providing ongoing care for a loved one.
2. Care recipients must meet the foundation’s criteria for respite care eligibility.
3. Interested caregivers must submit an application providing information about their caregiving responsibilities and the need for respite.

Program Evaluation

The foundation will conduct regular evaluations to monitor the effectiveness of the Family Caregiver Respite Program. Feedback from caregivers, care recipients, and providers will be gathered through surveys and interviews to identify areas for improvement and measure the overall satisfaction of participants.

The Doll Foundation’s Family Caregiver Respite Program recognizes the immense dedication and sacrifices made by family caregivers. By offering respite and support, we aim to enhance their well-being and strengthen the bond between caregivers and care recipients. This program will be an invaluable resource for caregivers, empowering them to prioritize their own health and maintain a better quality of life while ensuring continued high-quality care for their loved ones.

• Problem-solving: Teaching caregivers how to analyze problems related to caregiving, generate and evaluate solutions, and make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of their patients or loved ones. 
• Emotional intelligence: Helping caregivers understand and manage their emotions in order to provide a supportive and empathetic environment for their patients or loved ones. This includes building healthy relationships, understanding the emotions of their patients or loved ones, and effectively managing challenging situations.
• Stress management: Equipping caregivers with strategies to identify and manage stressors related to caregiving. This includes self-care practices, stress reduction techniques, and accessing support systems when needed.
• Time management: Teaching caregivers how to effectively prioritize caregiving tasks, set goals, and utilize time efficiently to meet the needs of their patients or loved ones while also taking care of themselves.
• Financial literacy: Educating caregivers on budgeting, managing expenses related to themselves and/or caregiving, understanding financial resources available, and making informed financial decisions that benefit their patients or loved ones and themselves.
• Problem-solving: Helping caregivers identify challenges specific to their caregiving role and life in general and providing them with problem-solving strategies that consider the unique needs and circumstances of their patients, loved ones or themselves.
• Health and self-care: Promoting physical and mental well-being among caregivers by providing information on self-care practices, strategies for maintaining good health, and understanding the importance of nutrition and exercise. This includes encouraging caregivers to prioritize their own health in order to provide the best care for their patients or loved ones.
• The Doll Foundation mentorship program can also include workshops, educational resources, role-playing activities, and hands-on experiences. Caregivers can also receive ongoing support and guidance as they develop and apply these skills in their daily caregiving responsibilities.

 By allowing for a case-by-case assessment, applicants can receive assistance that aligns with their unique circumstances. Whether it’s help with rent, food, utilities, medical equipment, or other essential items, this emergency fund grant has the potential to make a significant impact.

 We want to ensure that the emergency fund grant can reach those who need it the most.

 To apply for the grant, seniors and caregivers or someone submitting on their behalf,  can visit www.dollfoundation.org and complete the online application form. They will need to provide relevant information about their situation and the specific bill or expense they need assistance with. Additionally, if they require support for essential items like food, they can indicate this in the application.

 Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by an approval committee. They will assess the urgency of the situation and the level of financial need to determine the appropriate grant amount. For bill payments, the approved funds will be paid directly on behalf of the recipient. In the case of groceries or other necessities, a gift card to a local grocery store will be provided.

 The approval process will prioritize those who are facing immediate financial crises. By streamlining the application process and providing direct assistance, we can act swiftly to support seniors and caregivers in need.

 This grant is available specifically for seniors, family caregivers directly caring for a senior or impaired loved one, and professional caregivers. If you fall into one of these categories, you are eligible to apply. 

 Additionally, it is important to show a verifiable need for the grant. This means providing clear and documented evidence of the financial hardship you are experiencing and how the grant will help alleviate it. This could include bills, invoices, or other supporting documents that demonstrate the urgent situation you’re facing.

 Remember, providing the necessary information will help the approval committee understand your unique circumstances and make a well-informed decision. So, make sure to gather all the required documentation before submitting your application.  

 Grant applications for this program are evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s important to submit your application as soon as possible to increase your chances of securing the grant, as funding is limited and available only until it is exhausted.

 Once your application is received, it will be reviewed by an approval committee. This committee consists of individuals who will carefully assess the merits of each request and vote on whether to approve the grant. They take their responsibility seriously and make an earnest effort to vet each applicant and their needs. 

The committee wants to ensure that the grants are awarded to those who truly require assistance and will benefit greatly from the support provided. So, it’s important to clearly present your case, express the financial need, and provide any supporting documentation that may strengthen your application.

In 2016, Qiana founded The Doll Foundation, which is named after her late grandmother, affectionately known as “Mama Doll.”  It is a groundbreaking nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources, education, and support to seniors and caregivers. Through innovative programs and initiatives, The Doll Foundation aims to inspire and empower caregivers to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams as well as offers aid and support for elderly individuals.  Under Qiana’s visionary leadership, the foundation has successfully impacted the lives of many seniors and caregivers, fostering change and creating a brighter future for generations to come. 

In addition to her philanthropic endeavors, Qiana owns and manages Friendly Faces Senior Care an agency that provides personalized caregiver services for seniors who wish to remain in the comfort of their own homes and age gracefully with independence and dignity. 

Qiana James’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of compassion and advocacy. Her unwavering dedication to breaking barriers and creating a more equitable world has solidified her as a true humanitarian and a force to be reckoned with. 

Qiana is actively involved in various boards and advisory roles, including Cap of Houston, Cap of Pearland, the Pearland Chamber of Commerce Executive Board, the Bauer College of Business Advisory Board, and the Independent Home Care Alliance Advisory Board. She is also engaged in other charitable activities throughout Houston. 

Qiana’s strong spiritual foundation inspires her to volunteer countless hours in the ministry, helping others deepen their understanding of the Bible and their relationship with God. She values her marriage of over 15 years and considers her spouse her best friend.