Winding from Chicago, downward to St. Louis MO, making its way to Oklahoma City, across the TX panhale to Amarillo, on through the flatlands of Albuquerque, streaming in the heat of Needles, and finally to la la land itself, Los Angeles CA, Route 66 holds a special place in American hearts. Many have reamed of traveling its 2,448 miles, wind blowing their hair and sun in their face to the tune of Nelson Riddle’s catchy Route 66.

Ride along with two boomers, Michael De Shane and Steven Vick, as they travel the full length of Route 66 raising money for charity in “1 BIG RED”, a 1973 Red Cadillac convertible (think Boss Hogg of the Dukes of Hazard). June 1 - June 8, they will travel from Chicago to Amarillo; the 2nd leg begins July 5 in Amarillo and ending July 12 in Los Angeles. Blogging from the road, they will keep you guessing how many miles they drive, what points of interest they visit, how many beers they drink, where they spend the night, and what tunes are on the 8 track, and what new friends they meet along the way.

The Jessie F Richardson Foundation

The elderly population of the United States has increased more than ten-fold over the last century.  The rising costs in housing and long-term case associated with this growing population pose a major challenge to those working on aging issues.  The Jessie F. Richardson Foundation (JFR) is a private charitable 501(c)(3) organization registered in the State of Oregon whose mission is to improve housing and long-term care services for older adults, both in the United States and abroad.

JFR is working toward:

• Enhancing the efficacy and impact of the world’s response to the global aging crisis
• Creating sustainable solutions that can be used both in the United States and in other countries
• Improving access to training for direct care workers
• Offering technical assistance to projects serving special needs populations
• Acting as a consultant to states and other groups seeking to improve their services to older adults
• Conducting satisfaction surveys and writing reports for facilities, and engaging in other research regarding quality of care
• Educating people on the troubles we face if we don’t tackle the globel aging crisis now

 JFR 2006 Annual Report

Learn about our new “Lives Fully Lived Campaign”