June 15, 2018 – West Bend, WI – Bader Philanthropies, Inc., one of southeastern Wisconsin’s top 10 foundations, announced its board of directors has approved a $20,000 grant to Blue Lotus Farm and Retreat Center, which provides recreational and therapeutic outdoor opportunities for older adults living with life challenges, as well as children and adults.
The funding, distributed across two years, will allow Blue Lotus to continue providing opportunities and day retreats for older adults, most of whom visit from urban areas in Milwaukee and have little exposure to natural settings.
Blue Lotus, is located at 5501 County Highway M in West Bend, operates from May through October and served more than 4,000 individuals in 2017.
The retreat center sits on 64 acres and features a 4-acre pond for boating, canoeing and fishing, an inground pool, outdoor equipment, pavilion space, walking trails, and more.
The grant from Bader Philanthropies will help Blue Lotus with programming, supplies, snacks, and other needs for the older adults that visit the retreat each year. The retreat center specializes in serving the needs of individuals living with with physical, developmental, cognitive, emotional, or mental health challenges, or those at-risk due to abuse, neglect, low income, or trauma, and people coping with terminal illness, chronic disease, or memory loss.
“Being able to serve the older adult population is really instrumental in the work we do,” said Fred Bliffert, founder of Blue Lotus Farm and Retreat Center. “For many of our older adult visitors, spending the day at our center is their only chance to get out of the city and into nature.”
Blue Lotus partners with Milwaukee-area organizations such as Community Projects for Seniors, senior centers and facilities that bring groups to the farm for day-long excursions.
“We’re the only facility of our kind in the area,” Bliffert said. “We are fully handicap accessible, including our trail system, and we offer a private, secure setting for our visitors. When they spend the day here, the facility is theirs. They can experience nature and activities with no fear or judgement and at their own pace.”
Bader Philanthropies has previously granted Blue Lotus $34,000 as part of its ongoing support of Alzheimer’s and aging programs.
“What Blue Lotus offers our older adults is a chance to connect with nature and nurture their well-being,” said Helen Ramon, senior program officer for Bader Philanthropies. “Bader Philanthropies is also proud to support organizations such as Blue Lotus and Community Projects for Seniors, who truly understand the value of collaboration and partnerships.”
About Blue Lotus Farm and Retreat Center
Blue Lotus Farm & Retreat Center provides recreational and therapeutic opportunities for individuals living with profound physical, developmental, cognitive, emotional, or mental health challenges, including children and older adults. The 64-acre property is the perfect backdrop for unique and special outings for the special groups served. Visits include trails, a 4-acre pond, outdoor equipment, pavilion space and so much more. There are many opportunities to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit in a beautiful setting as guests immerse themselves in the natural resources the land offers.
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