Lifeline for the Old

I noted in my first post that I was planning a trip to Israel. With the passing of the Winter holidays, this is something I am no longer doing. From December 18 through 29, I had the pleasure of spending some quality time in the Holy Land with my lovely mother.

While in Jerusalem, we had the opportunity to dine with an individual I had met only once before. The rabbi from a close friends wedding is studying in Israel and over some great shwarma, he opened our eyes to some of the answers for which we had been looking.

His wife, who has accompanied him on his venture in the Middle East has sought out ways to become involved in the community and she introduced us to one of the perfect examples of responsible business, Lifeline for the Old.

The group hosts a facility for workers above the age of 60. Workers are divided by skill level and task preference and then the work begins. From their workstations donning their pictures, the elderly individuals do arts and crafts ranging from embroidery and jewelry making to the creation of stuffed animals and pottery painting. The work is not enduring, 3-4 days a week and only in the mornings. The goods are sold in an on-site gift shop, and the workers are paid a small stipend. Additionally, the workers are rewarded with a hot meal and optical benefits.

But the facility provides more than a job, it is a great harbor for the elderly to interact with others their age, talk about their experiences and apply their skills. After lunch, workers are not required to work, and can simply stay and socialize. The organization lends itself well to many great partnership and helps raise the comfort and support that is often missing from the lives of the elderly.

The visit was so moving that it has spun some wheels in my head. I would love to help launch one of these organizations locally. I have already begun assembling the plan.