***PRESS RELEASE***
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly Celebrates UN International Day of Older Persons on Oct 1, and Every Day
JAMAICA PLAIN – Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (LBFE), Boston Chapter marked the UN’s International Day of Older Persons on Oct 1 with an intergenerational art class creating personal talismans out of polymer clay. The class was led by local artist Elle Marrone from Artifacts Everyday. Participants of all ages came together at 70 St. Botolph, a Boston Housing Authority property for disabled and older adults, to make their own beaded jewelry based on their specific identity as part of Art Week Boston.
Artist Elle Marrone said “It was great to see such a wide range of local participants, from granddaughters to grandfathers, on the international day of older persons. Crafting personal talismans from clay encouraged people to share stories and emotions with their neighbors. I measured the success of the workshop with the dozens of hugs I witnessed and received after 3 highly productive hours!”
In addition to the Art Week event, Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly hosts a weekly social activity at St. Botolph and nine other senior housing buildings across the city to create connections across the generations. Activities include conversation hours, cards, games, arts & crafts, bingo, tech cafes and more. People interested in hosting a similar workshop or event with Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly can contact Executive Director Nikki Therrien at ntherrien.bos@littlebrothers.org or 617-524-8882.
Interested in volunteering? Learn more at www.littlebrothersboston.org . Our Friendship & Flowers program is a meaningful, low-commitment way to get started. Join us at our office the second Saturday of each month at 11am for an orientation and deliver flowers to elders in assisted living facilities. Volunteers must register in advance.
About Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, Boston Chapter (LBFE – Boston)
LBFE — Boston was founded in 1979 as part of a national network of non-profit volunteer-based organizations committed to relieving isolation and loneliness among the elderly in Greater Boston. Our motto, flowers before bread, reflects our belief that living is more than a roof over our heads and food on the table, but also the presence of people who care. Staff and over 1,500 volunteers, provide companionship, support and care to over 800 elders seventy and over without the benefit of family or adequate social contacts. Priority is given to those living in our partner City Sites buildings, all services are offered without charge and without regard to race, gender, creed, nationality, or sexual orientation. LBFE – Boston is a 501(c)(3) operating solely with the support of individual donors, volunteers and foundation or corporate assistance. For more information, visit www.littlebrothersboston.org.