TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A new initiative aimed at connecting nursing homes and faith communities is expected to launch in three regions across Florida, including in Leon County.
On Thursday, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the initiative, which is designed to “create opportunities for nursing homes and assisted living communities across Florida to partner with local churches through Hope Florida’s CarePortal, making it easier for congregations to respond to opportunities to serve seniors in their own communities,” according to the Florida Governor’s Office.
Besides Leon County, the initiative will also launch in Hillsborough and Miami-Dade counties before expanding across the Sunshine State to create partnerships between nursing homes, assisted living communities and churches, the governor’s office press release wrote.
The venture is rooted in the belief that “every senior deserves to know they are loved, valued, remembered, and that their life continues to matter,” according to the First Lady.
“Every senior deserves to know they matter and are loved. Every life is filled with a lifetime of wisdom, experiences, and stories that have helped shape families and communities across our state. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is simply our presence—taking the time to listen, to remind someone that they matter. No one should ever feel forgotten, and no one should have to walk through life’s final chapters without knowing there are people who care.”
Through Hope Florida’s CarePortal, participating assisted living communities and nursing homes will be able to share opportunities for local churches to serve, the press release revealed.
“A request may be as simple as delivering flowers, celebrating a birthday, reading together, playing cards, sharing a meal, or spending time with a resident who would simply enjoy conversation and companionship‚” the governor’s office said.
As part of the initiative, the First Lady and Madison DeSantis visited residents at the Chatsworth assisted living community at PGA National.
As part of the initiative, the First Lady and Madison DeSantis visited residents at the Chatsworth assisted living community at PGA National. The two delivered flowers and listened to residents’ stories.(Florida Governor’s Office)
The two delivered flowers and listened to residents’ stories.
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