Wellness Coordinator Reimbursement Program
The Wellness Coordinator Reimbursement Program offers congregations a meaningful way to support the care and wellbeing of aging sisters, brothers, and priests. Many communities face changing demographics, increased health needs, and leaders stretched thin with multiple responsibilities and mounting stress. A dedicated wellness coordinator ensures aging members receive individualized care, advocacy, and attention, addressing all dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual.
How the Program Works
This initiative operates as a reimbursement program, meaning your congregation hires and pays your wellness coordinator directly and you receive quarterly reimbursement for approved salary expenses for a maximum of 2 years, with enrollment in the program reviewed annually.
A wellness coordinator may be full-time or part-time depending on your congregation’s needs. Key responsibilities can include:
- Coordinating medical appointments and follow-ups
- Developing individualized wellness or care plans
- Advocating for members and supporting communication among caregivers, leadership, and providers
- Identifying resources and programs to enhance quality of life
- Tracking emerging health and wellness needs
- Enrollment in government benefit programs
Wellness coordinators also participate in quarterly virtual gatherings hosted by SOAR!, providing opportunities to share best practices, receive guidance, and connect with a peer network.
Program Funding and Reimbursement
Once your congregation is approved for the Wellness Coordinator Reimbursement Program, you are required to submit a quarterly reimbursement form through the online grantee portal. The form should include uploaded documents of the payroll records of the wellness coordinator.
Payments for approved reimbursement requests are issued electronically each quarter, based on the amounts documented and submitted by your congregation.
Readiness Tool
A online Readiness Tool to determine eligibility is required prior to applying. This tool helps your congregation assess your preparedness to hire and support a wellness coordinator, including:
- Participation in the annual NRRO Direct Care Assistance program
- HR capacity for recruitment, onboarding, and supervision
- Budget approval and ability to cover salary before reimbursement
- Systems for time tracking, documentation, and timely reporting
Completing the Readiness Tool helps your congregation determine whether you meet program requirements and if this opportunity is a good fit at this time.
Application Timeline
The application period runs from January 15 – March 15, 2026. Following submission, applications will be reviewed. Notifications of decisions will be sent by late April 2026, allowing time for your congregation, if selected to hire and onboard your wellness coordinator.
Start here to complete the Readiness Tool assessment
The SOAR! grants staff is available to answer questions about the program, including eligibility, applications, reporting, and reimbursement. Please contact Director of Grantmaking, Kristen Wise with your questions kwise@soar-usa.org or (202) 529-7627.
This program is the first of many initiatives SOAR! hopes to provide to support congregations in caring for their aging members. SOAR! is committed to developing resources, programs, and opportunities that strengthen wellness and enhance quality of life for aging sisters, brothers, and priests.
Support Our Aging Religious
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