There's no place like H.O.M.E. for the holidays

Dec 19

Written By

"When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly gaze

For the holidays you can't beat home, sweet home"

holidays (12)-946287-edited.jpg There's no place like H.O.M.E. for the holidays, it's true. Just like in homes across the city and country, decorations are up and good tidings are shared among good friends, neighbors, and family in our buildings and in the community.

We often refer to our community of staff, residents, clients, and supporters as "the H.O.M.E. family." During the holiday season it is perhaps more evident that we have a special connection with one another.

One of our Pat Crowley House residents, Christine, may say it best:

"It’s warm and it’s comfortable and friendly and it just feels like having a really nice family around you. If you don’t have a lot of close relatives, this is the next best thing.”

Christine has made friends like Judy who she says is like a big sister she never thought she needed.

This time of year, like families everywhere, H.O.M.E. sees more visitors and loved ones stopping by, and more messages of joy and comfort than we usually do. Here are just a few things that are keeping spirits bright at H.O.M.E. this season:

Christmas Quilts:

The Lady of the Lake Quilting Guild of Lake City, FL donated three beautiful quilts to help keep seniors warm. They told us that they wanted to send the quilts to colder climes where they would be useful. We are so grateful for their thoughtful gifts, and for sharing their talents with us.

St. Clements Jesse Tree:

Each year, parishioners at St. Clements Church participate in their Jesse Tree project. H.O.M.E. is honored to be a part of this project where parishioners donate gifts that enable our senior residents to engage in the community through fun outings together.

Secret Santa at Pat Crowley House:

Our residents at Pat Crowley House are into the gift giving spirit! They have each chosen a name out of a hat to give a gift to. They will exchange gifts on Christmas Eve in the common living room during their annual holiday celebration.

Tree trimming

Janet Takehara, our Program Director, recently described our intergenerational community to Associated Press reporter Karen Matthews, "They plan activities, they decorate for the holidays together, they go on outings together...It's very much an intergenerational friendship."

Volunteers

From guest chefs preparing holiday dinners and bringing baked goods, to seasonal crafts, to groups big and small weatherizing homes of seniors in the community, our volunteers have been spreading cheer throughout the holiday season.

If you would like to join the H.O.M.E. family and want to learn more about how to do so, click the button below.

Happy holidays from our family to yours!