Community Stories

June 18, 2024

Elizabeth Narain Kersting knows it’s easy to stay home and be lonely. 

But that’s not how the 71 year old chooses to live.

For Elizabeth and her mother, Florence Kersting, 90, one way to stay social is Heart2Heart’s Age My Way events. Elizabeth, who lives in Plantation, says the key to staying young is to stay busy and to try new things. She loves to travel and is always up for spur of the moment activities. 

The Age My Way events have been a welcome addition to her calendar. She has enjoyed the events for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and, most recently, Mother’s Day.

“They’re very friendly there. It’s a way of meeting up with other senior people,” Elizabeth said. “Rather than being in a pond (of people,) you’re in an ocean. And it creates interest because they always have something different.”

She always brings her mother and friends with her when she attends these Heart2Heart events. She’s brought friends from Michigan, Maryland and even the Philippines to the events. 

They all have a great time.

“Elizabeth is the life of the party whenever she comes,” said Rosie Castro, Heart2Heart Outreach Coordinator. 

A Musical Treat

There usually is a theme at the Age My Way events, often surrounding a holiday that month. At the May 17 event, there was a lovely Mother’s Day floral backdrop where people could take pictures. 

Elizabeth really appreciated the jazz band from Calvary Christian Academy.

“Oh, it was mind blowing,” she said. “Imagine all the 12 or 13 years old up there playing. It was really something else and it showcased the kids. They were beautiful songs, and they played some jazz, so everyone was tapping away.”

Elizabeth loved when the band played “Amazing Grace” and appreciated seeing talented young people working hard together to deliver such a lovely performance.

“You wouldn’t know that it was middle school, so that was an experience,” Elizabeth said. “Some of them looked so professional that I think they might pursue it as a career.”

Social Fun and Helpful Information

Elizabeth enjoys seeing some of the same people return each time to the Age My Way events, and catching up with her new friends. 

In addition to the social fun, she always learns something new. On one side of the event, there are booths with people from the Area Agency on Aging, Humana, Care Plus, Palm Medical and other health and senior related organizations and businesses.

“It’s informative and shows what’s going on in the community,” Elizabeth said. “One time, a nutritionist came and talked about what kinds of foods seniors should be eating.”

Elizabeth would much rather stay healthy through whole foods and medicinal herbs than through a variety of pills, so she appreciated listening to the nutritionist and getting tips on staying healthy naturally.

She also always enjoys the raffles and trivia contests that the event usually puts on.

“The last one we went to, my mother won the biggest raffle,” Elizabeth said. “She got a blanket with a lot of goodies. I won the trivia last time, and I won the trivia this time, too. I correctly guessed the most common flower that are sold for Mother’s Day — they are carnations.”

Elizabeth encourages all seniors in the area to check out the next Age My Way event. 

The next one is set for June 20, 2 to 4 p.m. The event includes games, trivia, raffles, refreshments, and community resources. 
Register today to attend Age My Way!

Join the Team!

Becoming a Heart2Heart volunteer means that you are dedicated to serving the aging community. It means you want to connect in a meaningful way to a specific individual or to several people. It means you are committed to a consistent amount of time per month – whether that’s several hours a week or just a few hours per month.

Heart2Heart volunteers must be background checked and trained. Our training can be completed from your home on your computer or device, through the online Volunteer Portal. We run fingerprints in our office in Fort Lauderdale, and you can schedule an appointment with us after you finish the training.

The first step is to create an account on our Volunteer Portal. To get started, click here!

Read more …

Heart2Heart Volunteers Launch Relief Care Program to Support CaregiversTeens Bring Holiday Joy to Seniors

Heart2Heart Volunteers Launch Relief Care Program to Support CaregiversTeens Bring Holiday Joy to Seniors

This month, we’re celebrating Christ Community Church and their amazing youth group for bringing festive cheer to the seniors at Residential Plaza Blue Lagoon in Miami. Through games like Christmas Bingo, Scrabble, and Dominoes, these teens created a joyful holiday atmosphere, building connections that bridged generations. Their warmth and kindness reminded everyone of the true spirit of community. Thank you, Christ Community Church, for inspiring us all to bring light and love to those who need it most!

Read the story:
https://heart2heartoutreach.org/community-stories/teens-bring-holiday-joy-to-seniors/

Teens Bring Holiday Joy to Seniors

Teens Bring Holiday Joy to Seniors

This month, we’re celebrating Christ Community Church and their amazing youth group for bringing festive cheer to the seniors at Residential Plaza Blue Lagoon in Miami. Through games like Christmas Bingo, Scrabble, and Dominoes, these teens created a joyful holiday atmosphere, building connections that bridged generations. Their warmth and kindness reminded everyone of the true spirit of community. Thank you, Christ Community Church, for inspiring us all to bring light and love to those who need it most!

Read the story:
https://heart2heartoutreach.org/community-stories/teens-bring-holiday-joy-to-seniors/

Spreading love and joy to seniors this Holiday season 

Spreading love and joy to seniors this Holiday season 

This month, Heart2Heart Outreach and Church United came together for Good Neighbor Day as part of the Love South Florida initiative, spreading joy and connection to seniors in Assisted Living Facilities. Over 50 volunteers, including families, participated in activities like karaoke, fall crafts, and games, creating moments of laughter and heartfelt connections.

More than just a day of fun, the event reminded us all of the importance of ensuring seniors feel seen, valued, and connected. Thank you to everyone who helped make this day unforgettable and proved that love truly has no age limit.

Read the story
https://heart2heartoutreach.org/community-stories/spreading-love-and-joy-to-seniors-this-holiday-season/

Bible Study brings memory care men together in fellowship 

Bible Study brings memory care men together in fellowship 

Volunteer Juan Ramos leads a men’s Bible study at a memory care facility. The group helped the men at the facility connect and open up as a group.

Not all the men are Christians. All the men have trouble remembering. But Juan lets the Holy Spirit guide his words.

Read the story
https://www.heart2heartoutreach.org/community-stories/Bible-study-memory-care