Mission Statement

The mission of LITA, Love is the Answer, is to improve the quality of life of elderly persons living in skilled nursing facilities, residential care facilities, and retirement residences by providing volunteer visitors as one-to-one friends.

LITA promotes friendships that lessen isolation and loneliness.

LITA increases public awareness of the needs of residents of skilled nursing facilities, residential care facilities and retirement residences.

 

Mae Wygant founded LITA in 1975. Mae volunteered at a Novato nursing home, serving coffee and visiting with residents. She became aware of the deep loneliness many of these people felt and their strong sense of loss of one-to-one conversation and companionship. In the early years, LITA was coordinated out of Mae's kitchen. She recruited friends and fellow church members to visit residents on a one-to-one basis. This simple yet caring act of kindness gave birth to LITA.

We are committed to serve Marin's elder community with a renewed vigor. While the debate on nursing home and assisted care facility regulations continues in Congress and the California legislature, and staffing shortages still affect patient care, the need for LITA's services is growing as an important resource for the frail elderly in our community. In Marin County, as in the nation, the fastest growing segment of the population is over 60 years of age, and the need for services is constantly increasing. The most rapidly growing segment of Marin's population is 75 or older. By 2010, Marin will have the highest median age of any county in California. These statistics are powerful but what is most important is that they represent real people with real emotional, mental and spiritual needs. LITA volunteers are committed to meeting those needs.

The spirit of our community is reflected in the volunteers who serve it. The LITA team looks forward to building community support and is confident that its programs will continue to be successful in reaching the lonely and isolated elderly of Marin.