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From a weekly visit to a lasting bond: Lena and Joy's story

What started as weekly visits grew into a meaningful friendship. Lena and Joy show how simple time together can break isolation and build trust.

Unpacking aid boxes
December 28th, 2022
By Maria Estevez

When Lena first signed up for Care Visits, she wasn’t sure what to expect. She lived alone, didn’t have nearby family, and missed having someone to talk to.

Enter Joy, a volunteer with a calm presence and a ready smile. The two started with weekly visits. At first, it was just conversation. Over time, they found a rhythm—Joy would help with errands, and Lena would make tea.

"It was simple, but it became something I looked forward to," Lena said. "Joy never rushed. She remembered details. She made me feel like I mattered."

Their connection is at the heart of what the Care Visits program aims to create. Beyond practical help, it’s about trust, presence, and reducing isolation.

Lena now encourages friends to sign up too. "You don’t have to be alone. There are people who care. Sometimes all it takes is one person showing up."

Joy echoed the sentiment. "Volunteering has changed how I see my community. It’s not just about giving—it’s about being part of something."

Care Visits currently supports over 90 individuals, thanks to volunteers like Joy who make space in their week for someone else.

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