LITA

We have all heard about the "Aging of America", but all too often the elderly living in nursing homes, assisted care facilities, and independent living centers are forgotten members of society, discounted by the presence of frailty and progressive illness that can result in physical and mental disabilities.

Many people who are living in long-term care settings have outlived friends and family, or their families live too far away to visit. Reports from the U.S. Institute on Aging indicate that social engagement and close relationships are powerfully associated with general health and longevity. Elders without a social network are far more likely to develop dementia. For an older person living in a long-term care facility, a volunteer friend's weekly visit means an important connection with the outside world.

LITA matches volunteers on a one-to-one basis with lonely and isolated elderly people living in long-term care facilities. Volunteers visit weekly and develop close relationships with their resident friends. Often, the LITA friend becomes the resident's closest friend in his or her last stage of life.

LITA has been serving the elderly in our community since 1975. LITA friendships bring happiness, support, and a sense of purpose to otherwise lonely lives.

On August 16, 2000 LITA received the Points of Light Award.

This prestigious award is given to individuals and organizations across the country for exemplary community service. The Points of Light Foundation was instituted during President George Bush's administration. The foundation believes that volunteering brings people together in a powerful way that combats the disconnection and alienation prevalent at the core of our nation's most serious social problems. The Points of Light Award honors every LITA volunteer that has reached out to a frail elderly person since LITA's inception in 1975. The heart of LITA's work is best stated by a quote from Albert Schweitzer - "Sometimes our light goes out, but it is blown again into a flame by an encounter with another human being." We appreciate this important recognition of compassionate and caring service in a community.

Please explore our site to learn more about LITA and how you can help.

- The Board of Directors, Staff & Volunteers of LITA