Courtesy of a Friends Foundation for the Aging grant, in 2022, Friends Life Care (FLC) delivered Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) to select Friends Life Care members. The grant funds were used to launch the project and resulted in the delivery of RAKs to 26 FLC members at risk due to isolation/loneliness.   

The FLC Wellness and Care Coordination team identified members at risk of isolation and loneliness due to a lack of an informal support system, residence in a facility, COVID isolation, or circumstances such as a move or the loss of a loved one. The project focused on matching the recipient with a RAK relevant to their recreational interests and psychosocial and functional needs.   

              

Random Acts of Kindness Delivered to Friends Life Care Members 

One RAK included a memorial donation in memory of a lost spouse. Another member lives in a memory care unit where their beloved cat recently died. FLC gave this member a robotic companion cat. The other RAKs included flowers, plants, cards, a terrarium, a window bird feeder, crossword puzzle books, ballet DVDs, art supplies, holiday gift baskets, journals, and special pens for functional issues. 

The project’s impact to date has included a positive response from recipients and their caregivers and has benefited FLC staff through participation in the project. As an organization, FLC continues to express its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. And it hopes to continue its pledge to DEIB through an ongoing responsibility to engage both internally and externally to promote inclusion and reduce loneliness and isolation.    

Continuing the Initiative 

On February 10th, FLC team members came together to brainstorm ideas to extend the Random Acts of Kindness initiative as a year-long act of service in honor of DEIB.   

22 RAK ideas were generated during the brainstorming session, filled with energy, conversation, and teamwork.   

These ideas and organizational support will help to continue FLC’s RAK initiative into 2023. Each FLC team member has a DEIB goal this year, which can be achieved by participating in a RAK or other DEIB initiatives. 

    

Calling all Friends Life Care Members and Friends!  

You’re invited to nominate a fellow Friends Life Care member to receive a Random Act of Kindness. Email nominations to info@flcpartners.org. 

If you are not yet a Friends Life Care member, you’re invited to learn more at an upcoming free informational seminar or webinar. Find dates and times for the no-obligation educational presentations and register here. 

Contributed by: Cheryl Proska, Friends Life Care Marketing Director 

Cheryl has been working with Friends Life Care since 2018. As part of the Sales & Marketing team, Cheryl helps build brand awareness, generate leads, and achieve sales goals. 

Cheryl brings extensive experience in email marketing, website development, content creation, social media, and project management. Cheryl also hosts the organization’s podcast, Honestly Aging by VigR Health. 

Cheryl has a BS in Journalism from The Pennsylvania State University and is currently pursuing an MS in Organizational Development and Leadership from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.  

Cheryl is passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as compassionate leadership. She is part of both teams with Friends Life Care.