Friends in Action's 4th Annual Walk and Run-A-Thon June 14
Be a friend for Friends in Action and support its programs
ELLSWORTH—It isn’t always easy to make friends, but one local agency, Friends in Action, not only provides opportunities to do just that, it also provides opportunities for people to make a positive impact while building those friendships.
When people are lonely, they have a higher risk of depression, anxiety and cognitive decline. Friends tend to make us happier.
As Jeff Jeude told the Ellsworth American in its 2019 salute to volunteers, “Through my participation with Friends in Action, I have met many people and have loved hearing their stories. Their stories are of hope, and laughter, and family, and struggle. Their stories are real, and I am ever grateful that I was able to hear them and share them.”
Stories weave us together, they buffet us against feeling isolated. Actions for others do that as well.
There are so many reasons that can attribute to a person feeling lonely, isolated, or unable to attend to the most basic necessities of life, things like grocery shopping or getting to the doctor’s office.
Aging doesn’t stop and as one grows in years, friends, family, and loved ones can pass leaving an ever-shrinking circle of social outlets. That same age progression can affect mobility and physical skills, driving a vehicle for example. Those with disabilities may be dependent on others for tasks that many take for granted and with the constantly growing demand of life may find caretakers more and more unavailable.
Friends in Action recognizes these needs and from its senior center in Ellsworth takes substantive steps to try and meet the needs of Hancock County’s senior and disabled residents. With over 95 volunteers, Friends in Action has accomplished the following in 2024.
Given 7,043 rides to critical destinations such as medical appointments and delivered over 3,500 essential prescriptions, and boxes of food, culminating in over 71,000 miles driven.
Offered yoga, strength and balance, form and function, and Pilates classes that were participated in 4,240 times.
Facilitated 5,320 visits for lunches and coffee hours that provided socialization: sing-alongs, game play, and conversation at its senior center.
Held 12 unique seminars at its senior center including such topics as healthy cooking, a mock trial, and Medicare 101 which were attended by 250 people.
Friends in Action luncheon attendee Nancy Eddy said, “I’m writing to share my excitement and joy of going to today’s luncheon at Friends in Action. We had a full house and we had a different group at our table. We had an excellent luncheon and dessert too! We clapped for the Top Chef and the Friends in Action volunteers who graciously bring each wonderful course to our table! Who knew when I retired, I’d meet a whole new group of wonderful new friends to share and connect with?”
Some people who start out by taking advantage of Friends in Action’s services and programs love it so much that they want to share the experiences and become volunteers for the organization.
Diane Perry is one of those people.
“I first found out about the Friends in Action Senior Center when I moved to the area 7 years ago. As a newcomer, I was looking for a place to meet new people. I joined a Zumba class right away and was happy to find a well-qualified instructor who knew how to make the class both fun and stimulating. The class gave me a chance to dance to great music, improve my health and find like-minded friends. Less than a year later, I also joined a class called Strength and Balance. This experience changed my whole attitude about aging as I increased strength and became more steady on my feet,” Perry said.
“In addition to fitness activities, I have become a volunteer: giving drawing lessons, starting a women’s discussion group, writing for The Friends in Action monthly newsletter, and helping serve weekly lunches. Friends in Action has given me the opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle as I face the challenges of aging,” Perry said.
Providing such opportunities to over 1,200 Hancock County residents takes more than volunteers, it takes money, and Friends in Action depends on the generosity of the community to keep its programs going. Sponsorships, donations, and fundraising are the bulk of Friends in Action’s budget and on Saturday, June 14, people have the opportunity to not only help the organization and those who use its services financially but also to meet new friends and visit with old ones at its fourth annual 5K walk/run-a-thon.
The event will be held at Knowlton Park in Ellsworth. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and walking or running starts at 9 a.m., with an opportunity for a group stretch at 8:30 a.m.
So, put on your sneakers and help support the many services and programs that Friends in Action supports.
Transportation,
Food and medicine delivery,
Friendly visits and calls,
Chores and shopping,
Coffee house,
Educational events,
Fitness program,
Arts and enrichment,
And lunches.
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