This month marks the exciting restart of our WECare Program, which has officially kicked off with the return of our college students for the academic year. At the heart of this initiative is the belief that young people should be exposed to the real needs present in their communities. That’s why we’ve intentionally designed several of our programs to include service opportunities that focus on caring for the widowed and elderly—two groups often overlooked but who hold invaluable wisdom and life experience.
WECare addresses the needs of elderly and widowed individuals in our community. This effort is driven by the involvement of college students from the Institute of G.O.D., who give their time and energy to assist seniors with various day-to-day tasks. Whether it’s helping with home maintenance, facilitating activities, or simply being a supportive presence, these young volunteers are making a real difference.
The practical tasks our volunteers provide are varied and tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. For example, students help seniors with cleaning their homes and technology assistance—teaching them how to use smartphones or video calls to stay connected with loved ones. Movement classes and activity facilitation bring energy and joy to their days, while the companionship offers much-needed emotional support.
This Year’s Partnerships
This year, WECare has partnered with five different service sites across our community:
Radnor Towers and Chippington Towers, where students visit residents and clean their apartments.
50Forward Donelson and 50Forward Madison Station, where volunteers provide valuable technology assistance, empowering seniors to stay connected.
Mckendree Village Memory Care Unit, where volunteers lead movement classes, games, and other engaging activities.
Each of these locations plays a vital role in ensuring the elderly in our community are supported, and our volunteers cherish the opportunity to be a part of their lives.
Service Rooted in Faith
Our work is more than just a community service program. It’s a reflection of our faith and values. Inspired by James 1:27, we recognize that visiting and caring for widows in need is not just a responsibility, but a core aspect of our faith-based mission. This scripture serves as a guiding principle for everything we do, reminding us to look after those who are often forgotten or marginalized.
Through the WECare program, we are not only meeting practical needs but also raising awareness among young people. It’s our hope that the relationships formed through these service experiences will inspire a lifelong commitment to community care, compassion, and empathy.
As we embark on another year of WECare, we are grateful for the partnerships that make this work possible and excited for the meaningful connections that lie ahead. We’re bridging generations, bringing hope, and combatting loneliness and isolation of the elderly one visit at a time.
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