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The Amazing health care staff at FLC and how they make all of the nursing students feel welcome and supported. Oh and also ADH Zoom 'Dance Party" was a HUGE hit. Thank you!

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The Amazing health care staff at FLC and how they make all of the nursing students feel welcome and supported. Oh and also ADH Zoom 'Dance Party" was a HUGE hit. Thank you!

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I am sure that I get just as much comfort and goodness out of these volunteer experiences as the elders. Volunteering during this time of isolation has been a life saver to me, too.

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Dropping off a holiday gift/care package I got my first distanced "hug" from a recipient. It was so sweet and warm.

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I am grateful for the FLC staff and ElderFriends coordinators who make this all possible! Thank you for the behind the scenes work!

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Before Valentine's Day (with my Elder's permission) I used window paint to draw hearts on the outside of her bedroom window. I asked her weeks later if she was tired of it and wanted me to clean it off. She said, "Are you kidding? Those hearts are going to be there until I don't live here anymore. I look at them everyday and love them." It was a small thing I'd done, but very touching to hear how much it meant to her. She is a gift in my life!

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My elder friend is a delightful and positive man. A moment where I felt that we really connected was when I sent him a photo of my animals. I have a large frog that I hadn’t mentioned to him before, and I sent a picture to him. He was really excited because he had never told me about his own glass frog collection. I think a frog is a unique pet, and an even more unique thing to collect! We also connect over our travels and our love for cooking and have exchanged many recipes and tips.

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Gratitude from ElderFriends participants 

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Gratitude from ElderFriends participants 

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After Thanksgiving deliveries, we received a note from one elder saying, “Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart. All the colors of Thanksgiving, the wonderful dinner and treats, lovingly prepared packages… tote… card… placemat… I have no words. It took my breath away. Many thanks for making my day feel special. It really helped!”

Another greeting card said, “You people are good friends, and you stay in my heart forever.”

Getting messages like this is a healthy reminder of the inclusivity of the program and the impact volunteers make.

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It’s been awesome to reflect back on 6 months of being paired up with my elder friend. He has seriously made such a positive impact on my life! I love my chats with him. He’s always cracking me up, from when he picks up the phone and says ‘I'm busy!’ and hangs up, to when we have marathon hour-long conversations. Now that baseball season has started I can't wait to chat about all things Mariners!

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I am most grateful for all the employees at Full Life Care that keep all the programs up and running. Appreciation for all the behind-the-scenes coordination that magically makes events happen. I am proud to be part of such an amazing team of volunteers!

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Fond memories of the ElderFriends picnic because of the socialization, the annual benefit lunch because of the wonderful presentations, and the opportunity to raise funds for Full Life through our in-person events

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It was so impactful getting to hang out with Adult Day Health Zoom group participants . Their curiosity and excitement translated through the screens! It was a joy getting to revisit my travels in China and sharing that with others who were so eager to learn

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I immediately knew I had found an organization and team that truly cared for their volunteers and treated them as more than just a resource to facilitate a need. Their longstanding efforts to support a local community combined with stewardship and sense of humility is what makes Full Life Care truly shine for me. It provided a sense of belonging, albeit from 2,500 miles away.

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For our December giving season, we received dozens of handmade hats, blankets, and scarves in the mail. One crafter mailed us a box full of hand crocheted scarves, and a note explaining: “Each one is made with love. Each one is crafted to be as unique and special as the one who will receive it. May they feel the warmth, love, and enjoy!”

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Full Life’s Craft for a Cause program gave me a sense of purpose after being laid off from my full-time job as a result of COVID-19. It provided a creative outlet for my six-year-old son during quarantine and put a smile on my husband’s face. Knowing that we had the ability to brighten someone's day during such an uncertain time offered a sense of comfort amongst the chaos. This month marks one year that I've been an active participant in the program and knowing that this small effort has touched the lives of many is a reminder of time well spent.

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At one of the past ElderFriends picnics, the elders were sitting in their chairs enjoying the lunch. As I looked over the group, I noticed one elder alone in the back corner, with his head down. I decided to sit next to him to try to talk to him. I thought  maybe we could talk about sports. I pulled over a chair, and said "Hello!" Then I asked him, "What do you think about the Seahawks?" To my surprise, he looked up at me and starting speaking. He had more to say than I did. A simple "Hello" left both of us with a big smile!

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Mutual support during times of isolation and loneliness

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Mutual support during times of isolation and loneliness

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This pandemic has brought about feelings of loneliness and isolation for me, because I haven't been able to socially connect with people, and I know that many elders are feeling the same way, so I wanted to volunteer to get and receive support during these difficult times.

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When FLC dropped off gifts for a client at an adult home who never gets any visitors, their caregiver talked about how much they appreciated it.

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Knowing that your actions are positively impacting someone's life

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Knowing that your actions are positively impacting someone's life

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When I make phone calls with elders, they often express how grateful they are that someone is calling and checking in with them, even if it's just for a few minutes.

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Getting to pick out personalized gifts such as blankets for clients.

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FLC and the ElderFriends program has given people the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and become involved in ways that they haven't before.

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Getting to see the beautiful artwork that people have done on cards and the art that children create has been very heartwarming because I know that the elders appreciate it.

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The volunteers with FLC and ElderFriends have been very helpful with navigating technical difficulties.

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The moments that make me appreciate myself most are the moments when I see the happiness and the emotions of the people I am helping. Those emotions make me feel satisfied and continue to drive me further in my volunteering services.

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In December I answered a request for handmade lap quilts and ended up giving 17 to Full Life Care. I have lots of time & fabric and will continue to give cozy quilts to people who will enjoy them. It’s fun to choose orca fabric or a tropical theme and imagine who will get the quilts!

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I learn from elders through their stories and memories continually.

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During the beginning of quarantine, I found myself having a lot of time and not knowing how to use that time productively... I wanted to learn a skill that would comfort... I started with this knitted hat, and would not only be proud, but happy for the person that would be receiving my work.