Community Stories

February 24, 2022

Our recognition for volunteer of the month goes to Edie Kelson!

Edie began working for Heart2Heart as a volunteer coordinator in December, under a temporary work grant that expires at the end of February. Through her work both on and off the clock, Edie immediately made a big impact on Heart2Heart’s outreach to seniors.

At 72 years young, as she likes to say, Edie has been active in helping seniors find what they need to thrive for a while. Her employment at Heart2Heart gave her more resources to offer her well-established and new connections in the community.

Edie also jumped in to lead Heart2Heart events at care centers. At Brookdale Deer Creek, she taught residents how to create dream boards and later helped them make Valentine’s Day cards. In Pacifica Senior Living in Sunrise, she helped seniors decorate Christmas trees made out of magazines (which she meticulously folded for days before the event).

Edie also is working on a resource guide for seniors, which will be available on our website in the coming weeks.

We’re sad to say goodbye to Edie, the self-proclaimed Purple Lady, as an employee. However, we’re happy that she will forever be a part of our active and impactful group of volunteers. We know her she will continually brighten smiles with her buoyant personality and regal air, topped with a purple crown she wears as a child of God.

Congratulations Edie!

A group of volunteers in masks pose for the camera after an event.

Edie, third from the right, poses with other volunteers after an crafting event at Pacifica Sunrise.

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