Older adults came together Saturday afternoon, December 9, for a winter-themed celebration at Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (LBFE), which works to relieve isolation and loneliness in people who are over 70. Thirty-five older adults from around the city came together for this event, one of many year-round program activities offered by LBFE. “What we do is about sharing a connection with people,” said Heather Dudzinski, Director of Program at LBFE. “We create opportunities for people to gather together and share a meal and good conversation.” The party, which was held at LBFE, 355 N. Ashland in Chicago, featured a home-made meal and a performance by Flor de Corazon, a folkloric dance group that is affiliated with the Cicero-based Flor de Corazon Dance Studio. Meals for the party were prepared by Fight2Feed, a nonprofit organization that works to reduce food waste and serve those who are in need of a fresh and hot meal. Saturday’s celebration was held at a time when more and more national attention is being focused on how older adults can connect with others in their community. In the coming weeks, LBFE will be visiting with and delivering food bags, meals, and holiday gifts to older adults in Chicago. Volunteers are involved in a wide range of activities, including wrapping gifts, driving older adults to and from events, and making visits to individual homes as well as nursing and assisted living facilities. Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization committed to relieving isolation and loneliness among people 70 and older by offering year-round, lifelong friendship, engaging programs and socialization opportunities, and essential support. To learn more and if you are interested in volunteering, visit LBFEchicago.org or call 312.455.1000.

Photo Credit: Little Brothers –Friends of the Elderly