In an attempt to reflect its ongoing growth, a 65-year-old San Rafael nonprofit announced last week that it has changed its name to Vivalon.
Vivalon, formerly known as Whistlestop, offers resources to older adults and people living with disabilities. The nonprofit announced the name change on Sept. 1 after a two-year planning process.
“We are growing our service offerings, expanding geographically and are reaching more people in need, which is why we decided that a more progressive name will reflect and support our organization’s path for growth,” Vivalon CEO Joe O’Hehir said in a statement.
The nonprofit isn’t completely ditching the old name. One of Whistlestop’s best-known services—offering transportation through partnerships with regional transportation agencies—will now be known as Whistlestop Wheels by Vivalon.
The rebrand comes after Vivalon expanded its offerings within Marin County in recent years to include services for people living with chronic illnesses and low-income families living on Medi-Cal. The nonprofit now plans to begin offering services in Sonoma, Solano and San Francisco counties.
“The new name helps reposition the brand with the future in mind,” said Vivalon Board President Dennis Ryan. “Vivalon is an invented word conveying life, longevity, activity, vitality, and connection. It exudes vibrancy and energy and we’re extremely pleased with the result.”
