Lori joined Friends & Co in September of 2024. As a retired nurse who worked with older adults her entire career, Lori chose to continue helping others by volunteering. Through Friends & Co, Lori was matched with Beverly and Nancy, two women living in the same building. What started as a simple connection quickly grew into something more. Word spread, and soon other women in the building began joining in and requesting visits with Lori.
To date, Lori has generously volunteered 185 hours with Friends & Co, helping turn loneliness into connection and building community one visit at a time.
What inspires you to volunteer?
What inspires me to volunteer is my love for people in general. I have been a caregiver my entire life. I always say that being a caregiver is part of my DNA. My goal is to inspire or lift up others, give hope and Bring happiness to those especially in need. What makes me happy is if I can bring Joy and touch someone’s life in any way I can. It enriches my life meeting and connecting with these lovely individuals that have become a part of my family.
What do you love about Friends & Co?
What I love about Friends & CO is their mission. I love how they find ways to reach out to those that need that human connection and that are homebound or isolated or lonely. People don’t understand that people need that human connection for survival. Friends & CO changes lives. They make opportunities for the necessary support and connection.
What is a memorable moment that reflects the connections you’ve made?
My goodness, there are several memorable moments, but most of all it is the experiences of each visit that fills my heart with love. I would have to say that seeing the excitement in their faces when they see me or hear my voice, the smiles on their faces, the hugs I receive is priceless. I have one lady that was very depressed and lonely when I first met her over a year ago. She told me that I have changed her life. To hear those words was so powerful. I am thankful that the visits and phone calls have brought so much positivity and Joy into her life.
Friends & CO is a gift from the heart. I am grateful to be a Volunteer. It’s changed my life for the better too.
– Lori
Would you like to volunteer with us at Friends & Co? Learn more here
