Our mission
Every senior deserves to feel seen and valued.
Save Our Seniors grew from Caitlin Austin's experience of caring for family and helping a neighbor. At its heart is a simple belief: every older adult deserves respect, connection, and someone who cares. We're bringing people together to help make that possible.
Caitlin Austin — Founder, Everett WA
01The Founder
Meet
Caitlin Austin.
Caitlin's path to Save Our Seniors started at home.
Helping care for her grandfather during his experience with Alzheimer's disease showed Caitlin how much the right care and resources can mean to a family. It also helped her recognize the challenges people face when that support is out of reach.
Around Everett, Caitlin saw older adults struggling to afford prescriptions, groceries, and everyday necessities. These were her neighbors, each with a lifetime of experiences and a life beyond the difficulties they were facing. She wanted to help.
02How We Got Here
How care became a community effort.
Caring for her grandfather
Helping care for her grandfather as he lived with Alzheimer's disease gave Caitlin a personal understanding of how much care and support matter.
Witnessing hardship close to home
Caitlin noticed older neighbors struggling with the cost of everyday necessities. Her experience with her grandfather helped her recognize how important accessible support can be.
Meeting J
Caitlin began helping an older gentleman who lives alone, without family support nearby. Out of respect for his privacy, she refers to him only as "J."
Discovering the barriers
Helping J navigate assistance programs showed Caitlin how difficult it can be to find the right resources, even with someone helping along the way.
Bringing supporters together
Community members, volunteers, and local businesses contributed time, supplies, professional services, and financial support. Together, they helped restore J's home and support his care.
Creating SOS
Seeing people come together for J inspired Save Our Seniors: a growing effort to connect older adults facing hardship with neighbors and businesses willing to lend a hand.
03The Story of J
One neighbor. Many helping hands.
Helping J find assistance showed Caitlin how much patience and persistence these programs can require. It reinforced the value of having someone alongside when the next step is hard to find.
Then people began to show up. Community members, volunteers, and local businesses contributed their time, supplies, professional services, and financial support. Together, they helped restore J's home and support his care.
That shared effort inspired Caitlin to build Save Our Seniors, so more older neighbors might find a community willing to help.
04Being Transparent
Today.
Where we are right now
- Supporting J's ongoing care and stability
- Welcoming interest from volunteers
- Listening to offers from local businesses
- Sharing the story to build awareness
Tomorrow.
What we're building toward
- An organized volunteer and partner network, with screening and agreements
- Wishlists for household essentials
- Exploring our long-term organizational structure
- Helping more seniors across Snohomish County — and someday, communities nationwide
05What Guides Us
Dignity
Respecting each older adult as a person with their own story, preferences, and independence.
Community
Making room for neighbors and businesses to care for one another in practical ways.
Accessibility
Working toward support that is easier to find and understand.
Action
Valuing the everyday contributions that can make life a little easier.
Save Our Seniors · Everett, WA
Help us grow a community of care.
Your time, generosity, or business expertise could help SOS take its next steps. We're glad to have you alongside us.