Anonymous
Post 07/26/2022 08:17     Subject: Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL

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!
Anonymous
Post 07/26/2022 07:42     Subject: Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL

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
Post 07/26/2022 07:18     Subject: Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL

Anonymous wrote: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?


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
Post 07/25/2022 20:41     Subject: Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL

Anonymous wrote: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!


*Sorry, my post should have read, "what causes matter to her"
Anonymous
Post 07/25/2022 20:41     Subject: Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL

Anonymous wrote:"Church" is not very helpful. Np here. People who value church know what it offers. Many of us choose not to attend,


This.

I know that PP's mean well, but not everyone shares your mindset. Think beyond your family/bubble.
Anonymous
Post 07/25/2022 19:55     Subject: Re:Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL

She should take a class at the Art League.
Anonymous
Post 07/25/2022 19:54     Subject: Re:Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL

Rotary Club.
Anonymous
Post 07/25/2022 19:53     Subject: Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL

"Church" is not very helpful. Np here. People who value church know what it offers. Many of us choose not to attend,
Anonymous
Post 07/25/2022 19:05     Subject: Re:Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL

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
Post 07/25/2022 18:53     Subject: Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL

Church
Anonymous
Post 07/25/2022 18:47     Subject: Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL

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
Post 07/25/2022 18:44     Subject: Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL

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
Post 07/25/2022 18:33     Subject: Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL

Faith community!
Anonymous
Post 07/25/2022 18:32     Subject: Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL

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
Post 07/25/2022 14:41     Subject: Looking for volunteer and social opportunities for recently relocated MIL

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?