Project Description: Through the DHS ARPA-Social Isolation and Loneliness Grant, we have created our ‘Loneliness Ends Where Community Begins’ project. Our project has three main prongs: data collection, social connections events and activities, and community education on the mental health implications of social isolation and loneliness. This project has so far led to over 5 successful social connection events where we were able to collect data showing that attendees feel significantly more connected to each other and our community!
Major Project Activities: We have implemented a simple 3-question screening for loneliness and isolation in the 55+ community to better gage the need in our community. This survey was administered to over 50 residents at Library Square, a local assisted living facility and community partner, in addition to attendees at our connection events! Data at the community level on this important issue is often difficult to collect, largely due to capacity issues, survey fatigue, and stigma.
Our events for social connection so far include: providing 10 folks with opportunity to share a story on the Lifebrary podcast (listen here), 3 podcast listening parties, a cooking classes in partnership with the Hunger Taskforce, and a Care for Caregiver event.
Future events will be our Winter Formal (see flyer below), Cooking Class (2/5), and Bingo Games (2/25).
