What We Do
Social isolation & Loneliness Loneliness is a quiet health epidemic, impacting your heart, brain, soul and very life; 40% of the Lexington community have experienced persistent loneliness per the AARP. Similar to pain, it is a subjective symptom, not an observable sign, and may follow the same pain neural pathways. We can identify groups who are at risk for loneliness: the recently bereaved, the socially isolated, the severely disabled, and the elderly who have suffered multiple losses.
There is no magic cure, or pill, although many who experience loneliness wish so. The only intervention for loneliness is having a quality relationship with at least one other person. Our non-profit, A Caring Place, is extending the hand of friendship to referred participants through phone calls, home visits, and group socialization. Equally important is preventing loneliness. No one is exempt from becoming a victim of this global pandemic. However, the same activities used to help those who are presently suffering through this malady can also prevent it. All are welcome to participate in A Caring Place. The lines of who is volunteering and who is participating are invisible. |
What We DoWe are an interfaith-based non-profit, organized to reach out to those who may need a friend. "Blessed are the Poor in Spirit". Although we are not a church group, and seek no conversions, we do offer prayer to those who request it, and are attentive to the spiritual component of helping another find meaning in life. Our basic mission is to form relationships to dispel the painfulness of loneliness. We form friendships through our telephone buddy system, whereby frequent phone conversations with the same person over time form a loving and caring relationship. We form friendships through our virtual welcome center socialization groups. Together, we participate in small groups over designated topics to share information, exchange current news, and laugh, talk and sometimes cry together. We form friendships through home visits with those who are socially isolated and are tired of looking at just the 4 walls that surround them. We can chat, play cards, listen to TV together, or a wide variety of other activities. We offer stress busting classes to mediate the adverse physical consequences of persistent loneliness. In meditation and movement therapy on a weekly basis. These classes cater to those who are not mobile, or have problems with balance or coordination, but meet the needs of even the healthy in improving over all physical and mental status. We offer volunteer opportunities in all types of activities, knowing that social isolation and loneliness can be prevented through reaching out and helping others. Our most recent program is our Read On! for reading buddies: seniors with young grade school children to develop confidence and enthusiasm in reading. We also offer 'Friendship contracts". Sound intriguing? Then please call us. We are not a dating service but can help you reach out and make friendships. In addition, we provide warm lunches through Sequel Food Services LLC, to those who meet specific criteria, being mindful of nutritional needs, and satiety. Testimonials from our participants indicate we are meeting needs of making the unloved feel loved, the unwanted feel wanted, and the abandoned feel a part of relationship again. "We envision a world where everyone is loved, and no one goes hungry" |
Get InvolvedWe are always looking to add passionate, dedicated individuals to our team. If you are interested in volunteering with our clientele, or being active on the marketing or programming team, or simply willing to support our efforts, then we have a place reserved for you.
You have several areas to select from in our Program. You can be:
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