Operation Pathways has secured a 2026 Thome Aging Well Grant to launch its Strengthening Food Access for Older Adults initiative in Baltimore, Maryland. The organization is among 24 nonprofit groups in Maryland and Michigan collectively receiving $3.8 million to help lower-income older adults remain safely and independently in their homes while aging with dignity.

A subsidiary of The NHP Foundation, Operation Pathways delivers on-site resident services at 33 affordable housing communities across 10 states and the District of Columbia. Its programs are designed to support seniors, families, and individuals in achieving greater stability, health, and long-term well-being.

For older residents, these on-site services play a vital role in helping them age in place by reducing social isolation, strengthening housing stability, and connecting them with essential resources. In Maryland alone, more than 45,000 older adults experience food insecurity due to fixed incomes, increasing living expenses, limited access to grocery stores, and transportation barriers.

Through the new grant, Resident Services Coordinators at The Bolton North Apartments and The Terraces at Park Heights in Baltimore will expand initiatives aimed at improving food access for seniors. Planned efforts include enhanced enrollment and renewal assistance for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), expanded food pantry services and home-delivered food boxes, and community-led shared meals that encourage social engagement among residents.

Established in 2022 by Enterprise Community Partners with support from the Edward N. and Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation, administered by Bank of America as trustee, the Thome Aging Well program follows a trust-based philanthropy model. This approach empowers local organizations to respond quickly and effectively to the specific needs of the communities they serve.

Stephany De Scisciolo, Enterprise's Vice President of Impact, Evaluation and Population Health, emphasized that the funding provides community organizations with the flexibility to tailor solutions to local challenges. She noted that entrusting resources to experienced, community-based partners helps maximize the program's impact by enabling older adults to continue living safely and comfortably in the neighborhoods they call home.

Since its inception, the Thome Aging Well initiative has distributed more than $23 million to 66 community, government, and tribal organizations. The program has benefited over 14,000 older adults through home modifications that support aging in place, workforce development and training, preventive health services, food access and delivery programs, and a broad range of additional support services.

Enhancing Independence Through Technology
Keeping our living spaces clean, maintaining personal hygiene, and staying connected with loved ones are routine tasks for many. However, for individuals with varying abilities—including seniors and those with cognitive challenges—these activities can be significant achievements. Successfully managing them can mean the difference between independent living and the need for constant assistance.

A collaborative initiative, backed by Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, Ignite Technology, and other key partners, has been exploring how digital solutions can empower individuals. Operating under the name Hayla, this effort has led to the development of an advanced, secure, and user-friendly app-based platform designed to support independent living.

Technology Supporting Self-Sufficiency
“Many individuals aspire to live more independently, perhaps transitioning to a setting where they manage on their own,” said Steven Taylor, CEO of Ignite. “The Autonomous Living Project, now known as Hayla, harnesses technology to assist people in achieving greater self-sufficiency, independence, and dignity.”

The initiative began in 2021 at the Lou Fruitman Residence in Toronto, managed by Reena, a key partner in the project. The residence accommodates 138 adults and seniors with diverse support needs. As part of the project, several innovative technologies were implemented, including IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, automated alerts, smart-device integration, collaboration hubs, and a dedicated app—utilizing Cisco and Cisco Meraki solutions.

Unlike traditional monitoring systems, Hayla focuses on enabling independence rather than surveillance. Through remote tracking, smart alerts, and device integration, users receive real-time support to safely manage daily tasks. When necessary—whether due to an emergency, a reminder, or the need for emotional or mental health assistance—caregivers can intervene quickly.

Personalized Solutions for Unique Needs
“Our approach isn’t just about offering technology,” Taylor explained. “When we work with an individual and their caregiver, we discuss their specific challenges and implement tailored solutions that use technology to address those needs.”

The partnership between Cisco and Ignite was a natural fit due to their shared vision of providing secure, easy-to-use technological solutions.

“Like Cisco, Ignite is forward-thinking and committed,” said Wayne Cuervo, Director of Cisco Canada’s Digital Impact Office. “They understand not only how technology can help, but also how it can streamline and enhance the user experience.”

Hayla represents a significant investment of time, technology, and expertise from Cisco, particularly through its CDA program.

“Hayla is one of our most impactful projects,” Cuervo stated. “It has the potential to transform lives and is highly scalable for various applications worldwide.”

Real-World Impact and Expansion Potential
Jessica Noftle, a day program supervisor at Creating Alternatives, a Toronto-based family support organization, shared her perspective on Hayla’s impact.

“Thanks to Hayla’s technology and expertise, we’ve successfully supported more than 10 individuals in transitioning from fully assisted care to semi-independent living,” she said. “Their dedication and mentorship have been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration.”

A Scalable Solution for Aging Populations
At its core, Hayla is powered by Cisco’s advanced technology.

“The foundation of our hardware includes a Cisco firewall router and an access point,” Taylor explained. “That access point connects with Meraki IoT sensors within a unit, monitoring appliances, doors, and showers. These sensors provide safety and peace of mind by detecting potential issues such as water leaks, smoke, or missed daily activities.”

Communication plays a vital role as well. Cisco Webex—accessible via mobile devices or hardware like Cisco DeskPro—facilitates seamless connections between users, families, and caregivers.

“Webex Calling is integrated into our software, allowing individuals to reach a caregiver, family member, or therapist with a single click,” Taylor added. “Everything is set up on the back end for simplicity.”

Given that sensitive personal and medical data is involved, security is a top priority. Cisco and Meraki’s built-in, end-to-end security features ensure a high level of protection, while automated monitoring streamlines data management.

“All data flows through the Meraki Dashboard and Cisco Control Hub,” Taylor noted. “Automated alerts are triggered through the Meraki system.”

For Cisco’s CDA program, supporting Ignite’s mission to bring Hayla to a broader market aligns perfectly with its goal of leveraging technology for meaningful societal impact. Operating in over 50 countries, CDA focuses on digital transformation that improves lives.

“We aim to use technology to address real-world challenges,” Cuervo said. “Hayla is making a difference at both individual and global levels. With aging populations and increasing demand for social services, while the caregiver workforce declines, solutions like Hayla enhance the efficiency of caregivers while improving the quality of life for those in need. It’s a prime example of how technology can create positive change.”