What does the children's program Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood have to do with seniors?
With a recent documentary as well as the upcoming film starring Tom Hanks, the iconic children's program Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood is having a renaissance moment. At H.O.M.E., we've been inspired by the show, too.
Here are four quotes from Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood that resonate with H.O.M.E.'s work and philosophy, and how you can get involved today.
1. "Won't you be my neighbor?"
From Intergenerational Housing to Upkeep & Repair, H.O.M.E.'s services are all about preserving neighborhoods and connecting neighbors. Like Mr. Rogers, people in the H.O.M.E. neighborhood welcome one another and are there for each other.
In many instances, residents in our buildings refer to staff and neighbors as the “H.O.M.E. family,” an extension of their own family and support system.
2. "There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person."
Building connections is important for all of us, and it is especially important for older adults who are at risk for social isolation. We help build connections in ways big and small.
For example, our Shopping Bus program not only helps seniors get to the grocery store, it also is a way for seniors who live in the same building to get out and about with one another on a regular basis. That makes a difference!
3. "It's you I like."
In Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, Mr. Rogers emphasized that everyone should be not only accepted but celebrated for who they are. That is something that resonates deeply with H.O.M.E. We not only think it is important to meet older adults where they are to help them meet their housing needs, we also want to uplift them so that they can live independently and continue to add value to their communities.
4. "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."
H.O.M.E.'s volunteers and donors are big-hearted people who render seniors who are too often overlooked visible. They are the helpers who support our mission and lend a hand in the homes of older adults.
We invite you to join H.O.M.E.'s neighborhood at our Mr. Rogers-inspired evening on May 2, 2019. Read more about the details of our Celebration Dinner here.
The last day to register to attend is tomorrow, April 16, 2019. Sign up to join us today!
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If you can't make it to the Celebration Dinner this year, you can make a gift that will support our mission, and help every day to be "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" for older adults in Chicago.
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