“The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.”
Robert F. Kennedy
One of the greatest feelings in the world is having a life with purpose. This need does not diminish as one ages. Unfortunately, this need is often overlooked for people residing in nursing homes. No wonder the prevalence of boredom, depression and loneliness is so high in our elders.
We at the Friendly Home recognize how important it is for people to feel useful and to feel a sense of accomplishment. It is joyous, empowering and life-affirming. Staying connected to others, either where they live or to the community at large is a basic component of a fulfilling life. Our Members have partnered with the Joy Community Church in the city of Rochester for several years now. Each month our Members are busy collecting clothing, making goodies and crafts to give to the needy. We happily bring 4 or 5 Members to help serve at their free lunch program and distribute what others have contributed. We also participate in their annual Thanksgiving food drive, collecting all the fixings for a bountiful dinner. Past community efforts have included collecting winter outdoor apparel and school supplies for P.S. #1.
Our own homegrown program called Volunteers Involved in Purposeful Service (aka VIPS) matches interested Members in “working” at the Home. These jobs include: morning announcements, welcoming new Members, greeters, gift shop assistants, and various clerical tasks.
Ask any of our Members who participate and they will tell you that this is very important to their emotional and physical well-being.
“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something.”
Barack Obama
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