Each year on September 28th, National Good Neighbor Day is officially recognized across the United States as a reminder of the importance of community. More than just a date on the calendar, it’s a movement to combat one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the epidemic of loneliness. By encouraging connection, kindness, and everyday acts of neighborliness, Good Neighbor Day invites us all to help build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.
At JFS we are committed to offering programs and services that support our community’s most vulnerable members. For many people, as they age and develop health conditions that limit their ability to get out and enjoy time with friends and other social activities, they find themselves increasingly isolated and lonely, which can lead to worsening physical and mental health. The problem is so widespread that the U.S. Surgeon General has declared social isolation and loneliness an urgent public health issue – one that disproportionately affects older adults, who face the highest rates of isolation.
The Good Neighbor movement challenges each of us to be part of the solution to this growing problem. Caring for those around us is not a new idea, but in today’s world—where digital connections often take the place of face-to-face interaction—the dynamics of community engagement have shifted. It’s easy to forget that not everyone can easily, or successfully, adapt to these changes.
Join the movement and be part of the solution. Not sure how to begin? Volunteer with JFS!
It only takes a little time to put a smile on the face of an older adult who needs to feel a sense of belonging, needs to feel that they are not alone and that someone cares for their well-being. JFS offers many ways for you to be a “Good Neighbor” to an older adult in need:
- Join the team of volunteer Patient Navigators – escort older adults to medical appointments and help them get the information they need to maintain their health and well-being.
- Work with older adults who live in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) – assist with cellphones and other technology, lead an exercise class, organize an arts and crafts program, share tips for healthy eating, or offer your own ideas for interactive group activities.
- Lend a hand at a JFS Memory Cafe – Memory Cafes create opportunities for people living with dementia and their caregivers to enjoy time together with others in a safe, friendly and nonjudgmental environment, volunteers assist program staff and help relieve some of the stress that participants live with on a daily basis.
- Make wellness check-in calls as a Social Connector – many homebound older adults can go days or weeks without talking to another person, be that friendly voice who calls to say hello and make sure everything is ok.
Commit to being a “Good Neighbor” and join the JFS family of volunteers – there are opportunities that work with every schedule.
Contact us today!