Terry is a naturally outgoing person. As an elder program participant for nearly five years, she's often wondered how she could get to know the other elders better. But lack of mobility, distance and other isolating factors prevented those relationships from growing.
 

When she joined our Path to Better Living Program, she found her answer. The first sessions focused on setting goals to improve self-esteem and communication. Terry immediately knew what her goal would be. "I thought, wouldn't it be great if we formed a 'phone tree,' and let each other know we're important to each other!" She discussed her idea with Sandy O'Donnell, LBFE Program Services Director, and at the next session two weeks later, invited others to join her Phone Tree. Immediately, eight LBFE friends shared their phone numbers.
 

Since that time, Terry's phone tree has grown to include 16 people. "We respect each other's boundaries," Terry explained. Some like to talk several times a week; others no more than once a week. A few only want to be called because they have difficulty dialing. "When I call, each one says, 'It's so nice to hear from you!' Or, 'You're such a joy!' It's very heartwarming."
 

Terry's phone tree turned out to be an excellent solution for elders who long for friendships but don't have the confidence to initiate a relationship. "Everyone needs to feel cared about," Terry said. "And what I learned from my 12-Step work is that, if you're feeling low, it's best to reach out."
 

Terry has been most gratified by the depth and uniqueness of each elder friend whom she has gotten to know better through the tree. "One gentleman who has always been so quiet in our groups is really intellectual and knows a lot about history. And a woman I talk to regularly is an amazing pianist who plays Mendelssohn and Bach."
 

But with all the joy and caring the phone tree brings to her friends, Terry is delighted by what it's given back to her. "I now feel that I have a purpose in life -- a reason to get up in the morning," she said.
 

The Path to Better Living is a year-long program developed by LBFE to give isolated elders the life skills to live independently, focusing on self-esteem, communication, brain fitness and financial skills. It is funded by grants from the Steven Square Foundation, the Leonette M. and Fred T. Lanner Foundation, and donors like you. Thank you for bringing purpose and connectedness to isolated and lonely elders!