“I Have A Friend” you are amazing!

By Laurie Black

visit a senior, but for the past year has been providing "cards of hope" monthly to some of our program participants who for various reasons are not able to have a volunteer visit each week.

All of these connections and kindnesses large and small given by volunteers and community members truly make a difference. Thank you to all who reach out to others. You are amazing!

Laurie Black is the Senior Visitors Program Coordinator at Mental Health America of Fredericksburg

Last month I wrote about light and connection. This month I have a wonderful example of both to share.

In October of 2022 Elody Shojinaga reached out to Mental Health America of Fredericksburg (MHAfred). Elody had connected with MHAfred staff earlier in July at a fundraising event at Mellow Mushroom. She wanted to bring together the community to make cards for seniors participating in the Senior Visitors Program.

In her own words Elody says, "I came up with the idea because I also make cards for an organization called Letters Against Isolation (lettersagainstisolation.com/) which was started during COVID to send letters to Seniors in Nursing homes and to those who used Meals on Wheels. They are primarily based in the U.S. but also have recipients in Israel, England, Australia, and Canada.

“I enjoy making cards and sending them to those seniors but wanted to do something more local. I was already familiar with Mental Health America of Fredericksburg and the senior program. At first I thought about just contacting The Senior Visitors Program and suggesting they get on the LIA distribution. Then I thought maybe we could just have a local effort to support our local seniors. As a Fredericksburg Food Co-oop member I know that they support all sorts of good causes, so I thought maybe it would be a good combination.

“Thus far it seems to be a popular activity at the Co-op. I had no idea how many people to expect at the first event and was surprised at the turnout. Both adults and kids seem to enjoy the activity. I plan on continuing as long as there is plenty of interest in participation from people, and Mental Health America of Fredericksburg wants cards, and as long as the Co-op allows!"

The November card making project provided handmade holiday cards. In January the card project provided handmade valentine cards. All the cards also have personal notes from those who came out for the event. The Senior Visitors Program has over 110 older adults currently participating in the program. All have been able to receive these cards and enjoy being remembered by community members. As one senior stated, "It is always nice to get a cheerful card and know someone is thinking about you"

Another card project is planned for the Spring. Anyone can stop by. You do not have to be a Co-op member to participate. We so appreciate Elody sharing her "light" and to the Fredericksburg Food Co-op for supporting the events! Information on the next card project will be posted on MHAfred's and the Food Co-op's Facebook pages.

In addition to this ongoing effort, another individual community member reached out in January of last year, asking how she could help. She was not able to make a weekly commitment to

If you know a senior who could benefit from having a weekly, friendly visit or if you would like to volunteer to visit a senior, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-22704 or visit our website at mhafred org Refer a senior or sign up to be a volunteer! The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg