Raging in Place

Gen-x aging resources and community

Tag: Volunteer

  • Yardwork Help for Seniors? Stonington’s Program Has My Attention

    Yardwork Help for Seniors? Stonington’s Program Has My Attention

    Okay, I’ll admit it. When I first saw the headline about Stonington’s new volunteer program for seniors, I skimmed it. “Friendly visits,” “companionship,” yawn. Then I saw it: yardwork assistance. Yardwork assistance? Now you’ve got my attention.

    Let’s be real, folks. We’re Generation X. We’ve spent decades mowing lawns, raking leaves, and battling the never-ending cycle of yard maintenance. The idea that someone else might actually volunteer to do that? That’s…intriguing.

    This program in Stonington, Connecticut as reported by The Westerly Sun, pairs volunteers with seniors, offering everything from social interaction to practical help. And apparently, that help includes tackling those outdoor chores that become increasingly daunting as we age. It’s not just about the physical labor, either. It’s the mental load of knowing the weeds are taking over, or that the gutters need cleaning, and just not having the energy or ability to handle it.

    For those of us in the sandwich generation, this resonates on a whole other level. We’re watching our parents navigate the challenges of aging, and we know firsthand how quickly those little tasks can pile up. And let’s be honest, asking your adult kids to come over and weed the flowerbeds every weekend isn’t always a sustainable solution.

    This Stonington program, though, it’s a smart move. It’s not just about providing a service; it’s about building community. It’s about acknowledging that aging doesn’t mean losing your independence, but it might mean needing a little extra help now and then. And if that help comes with someone willing to tackle the overgrown rhododendrons? Well, that’s just a bonus.

    It does make you wonder, though, how they screen these volunteers. Are they experienced with power tools? Do they know how to properly prune a rose bush? These are the questions that keep a Gen Xer up at night.

    Still, the concept is solid. Maybe we should start a similar program in our own neighborhoods. After all, a little help with the yardwork could go a long way in making aging a bit less, well, grueling.

  • Local Food Pantry Awarded $10,000 Grant from Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation

    Local Food Pantry Awarded $10,000 Grant from Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation

    Local Food Pantry Gets $10,000 Boost from Food Lion Feeds

    A Johnson City. TN food pantry has received great news. The Families Through Adoption, Adolescence, and Adulthood (FTAAAD) is getting a $10,000 grant. The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation provided the funds. This money will help them buy food and supplies. It will make a big difference for families in need.

    The Johnson City Press shared this story. It highlights how important this is for our community. FTAAAD helps many people. They focus on families with adopted children. They also assist foster families and grandparents in these roles.

    Food Lion Feeds is committed to fighting hunger. This grant shows that commitment. It will help FTAAAD stock its shelves. Families will have access to good food. They can choose from a variety of healthy options.

    “We are so grateful,” said an FTAAAD representative. This quote was in the original article. It shows how vital community support is. It helps in the fight against food insecurity.

    The full story is in the Johnson City Press. Find it here: https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/news/food-lion-feeds-charitable-foundation-awards-10k-relief-grant-to-ftaaad/article_4d67a728-c925-11ef-b976-bfc5d35639c2.html

    Food Lion Feeds is making a real difference. This grant is a win for FTAAAD! They can continue their important work.