2Life Communities

For volunteer Bruce Haimowitz and Coleman House resident Phil Schwartz, a connection through the Friendly Visitor program a year and a half ago sparked a meaningful friendship.

The Friendly Visitor program pairs volunteers with residents for one-on-one conversation and companionship. Each pair meets regularly to chat over coffee, go for a walk, watch a film together, or play a game.

Bruce became interested in the process of aging as his parents started getting older. What started out as a few classes on gerontology turned into a graduate degree. When Bruce retired from a career in statistical programming, he was looking for a way to support older adults on the aging journey. Natalie Thoresen, 2Life’s manager of volunteer and internship programs, introduced Bruce to Phil, and the two have seen each other just about every week since then.

“Phil is a very interesting guy. He lived through the Depression and World War II, and he has amazing stories,” says Bruce. “He’s just a great guy. That’s why I keep coming back.”

“I think you should be friends with everybody,” says Phil. “It doesn't matter how old they are or how young they are.”

Spiritual care helps people move from isolation to connection, and from uncertainty to a deeper sense of peace and purpose. Here’s why that matters for older adults in particular.

If you’ve ever wondered about the funding that goes into building affordable senior housing communities, this one’s for you.

https://2lifecommunities.org/news/funding-gap-behind-affordable-senior-housing-shortage