Community Stories

May 18, 2023

Volunteer Fulfills Her Calling by Giving to Seniors

After Jessica Jean went down to part-time at work in order to spend more time with her two daughters, she realized she had a little too much time on her hands while her children were at school. 

She prayed on it. After taking a Women’s League class about how to best use one’s spiritual gifts, she realized she really wanted to give back to seniors.

In February, Jessica began working with Heart2Heart as a Food for Hope volunteer. Her devotion to seniors is why we named her Volunteer of the Month for May. 

For Jessica, it all goes back to living for Christ and setting an example for her daughters, especially the eldest one who sometimes volunteers with her. 

“I feel it’s the Holy Spirit working in my life,” Jessica said. “What am I supposed to do with my life? Be a mom and go to work, and that’s it? I want to give my life to Christ fully. So for me to give back — it’s just changed my whole perspective.”

Jessica now delivers a box of groceries each week from Help1One International, Inc. to a senior who lives nearby. 

Most recently, she has started doing relief care, where she connects with seniors at their homes for some companionship and light household services.

A sister in Christ

Even though her interactions with the seniors during her meal drop offs were relatively brief, Jessica felt some deep connections with them, even when they don’t even speak the same language. 

Her favorite senior, Arturo, only speaks Spanish, and Jessica does not. They communicate with a lot of hand gestures, but the meaning ultimately gets through.

“Once I was brought to tears,” Jessica remembers. “I’d had a particularly hard day. There were work issues, my two daughters had been challenging, but I left to go volunteer.”

Jessica brought Arturo his meals. He was trying to communicate while Jessica tried her best to decipher the words with Google Translate

“He was talking fast, but all of a sudden I understood. He told me that I’m his sister in Christ, and I just couldn’t stop the tears,” Jessica said. “This is why I do this.”

Being a Christian, she was so touched that the little bit that she does has made such a difference in the lives of these seniors.

“God has asked his servants to give back to his people, and that’s what I’m trying to do,” Jessica said. “One day, we will be in one place together and there won’t be different languages. We’ll just be together.”

Setting an example

Jessica has two daughters, ages 8 and 3. They were a big reason she started volunteering. Her 8-year-old sometimes came with her to deliver the food. 

“She calls everyone grandma or grandpa, and she wanted to come,” Jessica said. “She loves to be involved, loves to hear stories, and I want to be an example to her. We have to serve others and put others first. If as parents we don’t do what we say, it doesn’t mean anything.”

The seniors also love it when her daughter comes because they can dote on her. Since volunteering, Jessica has noticed that her daughter has made special efforts to share and be considerate to those around her, especially to other kids at school. Jessica has even noticed changes in herself.

“I’ve noticed that I’m more compassionate and willing to listen and show others empathy,” she said.

A heart to serve

Jessica hopes that others will feel called to volunteer and that they’d have the heart to serve. 

“It makes me feel great,” she said. “It’s like having half a cup and then you fill it up. For me, it’s definitely fulfilling because my gifts are just giving. I love to give.”

She encourages people to give volunteering a try, even if they are nervous. 

“There’s nothing to lose!” she said. 

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!

May 18, 2023

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 …

Faith in Action: Lauderhill SDA Church Brings Heart to Senior Communities

Faith in Action: Lauderhill SDA Church Brings Heart to Senior Communities

Faith in Action: Lauderhill SDA Church Brings Heart to Senior Communities

On March 15th, members of Lauderhill Seventh-Day Adventist Church and their families brought joy, creativity, and compassion to seniors at Active Senior Living and Fort Lauderdale Health and Rehab.

Through wreath-making, songs, and a Bible-based skit, they reminded residents that they are seen, loved, and never alone.

This powerful day of connection beautifully reflects Heart2Heart’s mission to restore dignity and hope to isolated seniors—one loving act at a time.

Read the story:
https://heart2heartoutreach.org/community-stories/hearts-united-spreading-joy-love-to-seniors-2/

Hearts United: Spreading Joy & Love to Seniors

Hearts United: Spreading Joy & Love to Seniors

Hearts United: Spreading Joy & Love to Seniors

On February 22nd, Heart2Heart partnered with Parkridge Church and Community Christian Church to bring warmth and companionship to seniors across eight care facilities in Broward County.

Volunteers filled the day with heartfelt conversations, games, and meaningful connections, replacing loneliness with joy and belonging.

One resident, Mary, shared through happy tears, “I haven’t had this much fun in a long time. It feels good to know someone cares.”

Read the story:
https://heart2heartoutreach.org/community-stories/hearts-united-spreading-joy-love-to-seniors/

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/