Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL
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Anonymous
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My widowed MIL relocated to be nearer to us. She had a strong network of friends and volunteering activities in her former hometown, but Covid kept her isolated when she first moved here.
She is mid-70s and still drives. Her knee gives her trouble so she can't do anything that involves extremely long walks, but she would be great at being a hospital greeter, helping drive other seniors to appointments---or similar types of volunteering. She'd also love to take more advantage of all the great Smithsonian Associates offerings but is a little intimidated at doing it alone. She is one of the kindest, nicest people I know. DH and I wish she could make a new friend network. Family is ex-military, though MIL is pretty liberal. We live in the Arlington/Alexandria area. Any advice on how I can help her network with other retirees? |
Anonymous
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Suggest you look at county services (for seniors and volunteering). Montgomery County MD has a great clearinghouse for volunteers, but I am not familiar with VA. (Also check out the website of the hospital closest to you)
Libraries have both social events, and volunteer opportunities. Finally, find out what causes matter to get (young people? Poor people? Voting? Refugees? Women’s rights? Animals?) She is lucky to be so loved and appreciated! |
Anonymous
| Faith community! |
Anonymous
| She should contact senior services of Alexandria bc they have social groups and opportunities for things. They set my father up with a weekly thing at a lower income retirement home and he loves volunteering there. He’s made friends w/ both residents and other volunteers. |
Anonymous
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My mom moved to the area when she was in late 60s.
Started connecting through her church Added on through the senior center Delivers for meals on wheels Does pickle ball Fairfax also has robust programming: https://fairfax.usedirect.com/FairfaxFCPAWeb/Activities/Search.aspx I am not familiar with Arlington |
Anonymous
| Church |
Anonymous
| Also suggest faith community / church - my mom joined our church and has found ways to get involved outside of what our family does (and has made friends who have then pulled her into their other activities). |
Anonymous
| "Church" is not very helpful. Np here. People who value church know what it offers. Many of us choose not to attend, |
Anonymous
| Rotary Club. |
Anonymous
| She should take a class at the Art League. |
Anonymous
This. I know that PP's mean well, but not everyone shares your mindset. Think beyond your family/bubble. |
Anonymous
*Sorry, my post should have read, "what causes matter to her" |
Anonymous
Arlington 55+ offers a lots of classes. Some are virtual, others are in person. https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/Parks-Recreation/Programs/55-Membership/Senior-Activities |
Anonymous
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There’s a Facebook group called arlington neighbors heloing each other through covid 19. Someone with cancer was looking for someone to help with rides to doctors. I’m sure if she offered there would be tons of people who need help.
AFAC food pantry https://volunteer.leadercenter.org/civicrm/vol/#/volunteer/appeals |
Anonymous
| OP here---thanks for the good leads. I had originally thought that faith community would be the first step, but I think that MIL---like many Catholics I know--is currently disillusioned with the Church but not yet able to "cut the cord" and switch to another Christian denomination. Will check into the Alexandria and Arlington programs! |