This month marks the exciting restart of our WECare Program, officially launched 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 in their communities. That’s why many of our programs intentionally include service opportunities focused on caring for the widowed and elderly—two often-overlooked groups who possess invaluable wisdom and life experience.

WECare addresses the needs of elderly and widowed individuals in our community. This effort is driven by college students from the Institute of G.O.D., who dedicate their time and energy to assist seniors with various day-to-day tasks. Whether helping with home maintenance, facilitating activities, or simply offering companionship, these young volunteers are making a real difference.

The practical support our volunteers provide is varied and tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. For example, students assist seniors with cleaning their homes and offer technology help, 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 companionship provides 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 offer 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 part of their lives.

Through the WECare program, we not only meet practical needs but also raise awareness among young people. We hope that the relationships formed through these service experiences inspire a lifelong commitment to community care, compassion, and empathy.

As we begin 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 are bridging generations, bringing hope, and combating the loneliness and isolation of the elderly, one visit at a time.