H.O.M.E. is a special place for our family, and is so for reasons both unique and universal. In my 20s I was looking for somewhere to donate all my furniture when I moved. I don’t remember how I found H.O.M.E., but all of it went to the residents. Although I have given nominal and increasing amounts every year since then, I really knew little about H.O.M.E. until I finally visited.

Topics: volunteer, intergenerational housing, food security, philanthropy, impact, senior isolation, Nathalie Salmon House

Did you know that the first day of fall is a mere seven days away? Fall is a great season for exploring the outdoors, celebrating holidays, making new friends, and spending time with loved ones. It is also a wonderful time of year to volunteer and give back! 

Topics: volunteer, intergenerational relationships

With a recent documentary as well as the upcoming film starring Tom Hanks, the iconic children's program Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood is having a renaissance moment. At H.O.M.E., we've been inspired by the show, too. 

Topics: volunteer, community, intergenerational housing, senior independence, philanthropy, aging in community, intergenerational relationships, LGBT Older Adults, diverse elders

Today's guest blogger is Pam Smith, who is co-founder and executive director at the Addie Wyatt Center for Nonviolence Training in Chicago. She is a historian and genealogist and a long-time Chicago consultant for nonprofit organizations.

Pam served as a senior press aide to Barack Obama in his primary campaign for US Senate and to Jesse Jackson in his 1988 presidential bid. She teaches history at National Louis University and is coeditor of The Chicago Freedom Movement: Martin Luther King Jr. and Civil Rights Activism in the North.

Topics: volunteer, community, senior living, Good Life Senior Residences, Resources and tips for seniors

Volunteering makes a big difference! Not only does volunteering make a difference for those being served, but it also has an impact on those serving.

Don't believe me? Take it from these volunteers who regularly serve and share meals with seniors at Pat Crowley House.

Topics: volunteer, community, intergenerational housing, Good Life Senior Residences

As organizations like H.O.M.E. finish recognizing and celebrating National Volunteer Month, were you scratching your head thinking, "I have always wanted to volunteer but not sure where?"

Topics: volunteer, community, ageism

Last week was National Volunteer week and we highlighted some of the volunteers that make the work that we do possible. One of the groups we highlighted was our Young Professionals Board.

Topics: volunteer

National Volunteer Week is April 15 - 21st this  year. The week was established in 1974 and is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to come together to tackle tough challenges, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

Topics: volunteer

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day gives us an opportunity to let the special people in our lives know that we care whether it is with candy and flowers, a handmade card, or a simple declaration of “Happy Valentine’s Day”! It makes us feel good to love and be loved. 

But what about those who find themselves alone on a special day like Valentine’s Day (and on not-so-special ordinary days)?

Topics: volunteer, aging in community, senior isolation

Getting involved in your community is a common New Year's Resolution. But even if it's not on your list this year, vounteering can help you achieve some of your other goals. 

Topics: volunteer