How we got started

Hilda Cassert started the Stand By You foundation when she was 100 years old. After growing up as a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany, and living a full life, Hilda had a stroke which confined her to a nursing home. Inspired by the many women who had supported her in the twilight of her life, Hilda began to dream of starting an organization that would stand by people in need in the same way that these women stood by Hilda, bringing her joy, comfort and strength. Hilda wanted to stand by others in their most vulnerable moments.

Hilda approached her friend, Lee Alton, to share the vision and Stand By You was born in 2016. Hilda passed away at age 103 but her legacy lives on. Stand By You is an active granting foundation, helping a variety of leaders and organizations reach more, help more, and do more for those in need.