Stories from Volunteers and Families
Our volunteers often tell us they receive more from their LITA visits than they give. LITA now has 147 volunteers and 41 companion animals visiting 200 seniors in 48 residential and care facilities in Marin County -- and would you believe our volunteers make 198 individual visits each week? And our Bridging Generations program brings 250 students, parents and teachers to facilities each month to visit 150 seniors. Below are some real-life stories about the value of LITA friendship and support (for both volunteers and families).
LITA volunteer Nancy met her friend when she was in her 50's and in the early stages of Alzheimer's -- she had been moved to a care facility because she had no family to care for her. Nancy kept her friend active and encouraged her interests -- including reading Buddhist books and taking meditative hikes together. When her friend could no longer walk or speak, Nancy visited faithfully, feeding her, wiping her face, and waiting for her friend to swallow as she looked at Nancy with trust that had grown during their five year friendship. After her friend died, Nancy continued to visit other facility residents she'd grown close to. She was able to visit a place that other volunteers shun, she says; because her friend taught her so much about being in the moment and experiencing joy, loss and love as profound gifts.
More stories on how love really is the answer...
Growing Up with LITA (by Linda Wygant)