|
|
Fellowship Square improves the lives of older adults who struggle to make ends meet by providing them with affordable housing and supportive services. |
|
Residents Receive Gift of Connection!
Our IMPACT—2021 Annual Report
Christy’s Corner
|
|
Five-Year Strategic Plan
Resident Life
Thank You Lake Ridge Rotary Club
Anyone Can Volunteer!
|
|
|
Residents Receive Donated
Google Nest Hubs
|
|
Thanks to a generous donation of Google Nest Hub Max devices by LeadingAge and Volara, residents of Lake Ridge Fellowship House, Largo Landing Fellowship House, and soon to follow Hunters Woods Fellowship House, now have access to video calling and voice assistant functions to help with daily tasks and connecting with friends and loved ones.
The donation not only includes the device, but also a three year subscription for Google for Senior Living. Fellowship Square is providing free building-wide Wi-Fi for all residents. Read our latest press release for more details.
“Providing this to residents like me has been so helpful. I’m enjoying video chatting with my daughter who lives far away. I can talk and see her at the same time! And, I’m loving the music that I can listen to.”
—Shirley W., 78, Largo Landing Fellowship House
|
|
OUR IMPACT…BUILDING THE FUTURE |
|
2021 Annual Report
This past year has been a busy one! While we remained vigilant against COVID-19, we also began to resume activities, held fundraisers to support our operations, and continued construction and renovation projects.
|
|
I’ve taken note of a recent report from the US Census data that estimates 10-16% of older adults do not have children, and this trend is expected to continue.
On average, Americans are living longer than previous generations, but unlike past generations many adults do not necessarily have children that they can rely on for comfort and support. At Fellowship House, we have many residents without children or family members, and many others whose children and family are not involved in their lives.
While we encourage and support family involvement, we also recognize that many of our residents can feel lonely and isolated when there isn’t anyone visiting or calling to check up on them. Our staff seek to support Fellowship House residents and give a little extra time and attention to those without children or families. It’s very sad to know that some people in our buildings never receive visitors, a friendly phone call, gifts or well wishes during the holidays.
At Fellowship House, everyone is family to us. And for those residents without children or other relatives, we make them feel a part of our lives by getting to know them and sharing some of our life with them. With the help of staff – and key volunteers – we work to build relationships and connections to reassure residents that someone does care about them and that we are interested in getting to know them. At the same time, we want them to get to know us a little better. These are the relationships that sustain all of us through life’s journey.
I encourage you to get involved to help us create this important lifeline to those who have no one else. Sometimes we’re all they have.
In gratitude,
|
|
Lake Ridge Fellowship House
With a focus on building cultural awareness on how Irish Americans celebrate the holiday, residents Tita B. and Judy M. celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by participating in an interactive trivia game, while learning about famous landscapes in Ireland, dance traditions with Irish folk music, and indulging in refreshments — the favorite being Irish soda bread!
|
|
Hunters Woods Fellowship House
To highlight ‘Sleep Awareness Month’, Hunters Woods residents enjoyed an interactive presentation led by Dr. Taylor on how sleep disorders affect individuals as they age.
|
|
Largo Landing Fellowship House
Largo Landing residents participated in a technology class led by Loretta Lanham, Community Manager, and learned what the Google Nest Hub devices can do.
|
|
Lake Anne Fellowship House
On the 2nd Tuesday of every month, Lake Anne residents ‘move and groove’ in a fitness class with Annette Logan, Leasing Consultant. Residents enjoy an alternating routine that ranges from chair fitness to line dance.
|
|
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER! |
|
Rotary Club of Lake Ridge |
|
Residents gather to sing “happy birthday” and enjoy cake and ice cream before participating in an Activities Committee meeting. In addition to the monthly birthday parties, the Rotary also sponsors food drives to stock the Fellowship House pantry and hosts an annual cook-out.
We are grateful for the long relationship with the Rotary Club of Lake Ridge and their tremendous support.
|
|
Above, (left to right) Kasey Scott, Megan Girvin, and Wavery Brown from the Rotary serve ice cream to Lake Ridge Fellowship House resident Rose G.
|
|
Pictured above, (left to right) Wavery Brown, Kasey Scott, Megan Girvin from the Rotary Club prepare to serve cake and ice cream. |
|
Pictured above, Lake Ridge Fellowship House residents enjoy birthday cake together. |
|
As an immigrant, I wanted to support my community through volunteering, but I hesitated because of my limited English proficiency. I did not know how to get started and was afraid my English would not be good enough. Thankfully, I learned about the Fellowship Square internship program through Training Futures, where I take classes to improve my English and workplace skills.
Working as the Community Engagement Intern for the organization, I am focused on Fellowship Square’s volunteer program and have learned that even if you’re new to the area or aren’t confident in your English skills, you can still support your community. By getting involved, I am learning and volunteering at the same time. Hellen Keller inspired me. She was blind and deaf, but she still volunteered. Her beautiful message touched me, “I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something. I will not refuse to do something I can do."
I have learned a lot during my volunteer internship experience with Fellowship Square. They have given me many opportunities to be part of their organization and community. In addition to helping people, I have also improved my English skills and knowledge of the workplace culture.
If you volunteer to help people, you realize your life is not so bad. When you help someone else, you start feeling good about yourself and the experience enriches your life. Even a smile makes you feel good.
By Binh Tran
Community Engagement Intern
|
|
Click below to learn more about Volunteer Opportunities with Fellowship Square and to sign-up for the monthly Volunteer Update. |
|
|
|
Reminder: If you have a Thrivent account, please designate Fellowship Square for donations
|
|
|
|
Stay in touch with Fellowship Square on Facebook!
We post articles, updates on activities and events, our monthly newsletter, and pertinent information regarding our properties.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
