Community Stories

December 21, 2022

Volunteer of the Month Prioritizes Giving Back

Every Saturday morning, Nicole Matthews spends time with two seniors before visiting her own mom at a nursing home. We named her the December Volunteer of the Month because of how she prioritizes helping others, such as going out of her way to help a man named Daniel through difficult times. 

Giving back is Nicole’s life philosophy.

“I believe that’s how we should live in this world,” she said. “Whatever we can do to help — that’s why we’re here.”

Nicole first encountered Heart2Heart at Lenox on the Lake, where her mother lives. Volunteer Les Weiner was there to lead a Sunday service. He watched her flitting around the nursing home, spending time with other residents alongside her own mom. 

He insisted that she meet Heart2Heart’s volunteer coordinator. Through the introduction, Nicole began serving in the Food for Hope program, delivering meals to two seniors named Daniel and Luis. 

“Luis’ dog, Tito, has a special bark when he hears my car come in,” Nicole explained. “He tells Luis, ‘Nicole is here!’” 

After time with Luis, she heads to see Daniel, who has been struggling to find work and has a heart condition. 

“Daniel thinks he’s coursing through this world by himself. I tell him: ‘As long as you’re in the body of Christ, we’re in this together,’” Nicole said. 

The final stop is to spend time with her own mom, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Her Saturday afternoon is jam packed, but Nicole said she doesn’t mind. 

“We’re the hands and feet of God. We’re his voice, a conduit for speaking God’s word into people’s lives,” she said. “We’re supposed to make time to help each other.”

During the week, Nicole is an accountant and is taking classes toward a Master’s degree. Despite her own busy schedule, she encourages other people to give an hour or two to help others. It doesn’t take an overseas mission trip to help people in need, she explains. 

“Sometimes your neighbor doesn’t have any food to eat,” she said. 

If you pay attention, even after people say they’re OK, you may see needs that are not met. 

“You may be that person that God uses to reach out, but we have to avail ourselves,” 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!

December 21, 2022

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/