Spring 2018 Donate Today Nine decades in the house her father built With your
support, more elders like Marion can stay connected to their community while
aging in place. “I’ve lived in this house just about all my life,” said Marion,
age 95. “My father built it when I was about 2 and it cost him $700.” The home,
situated in St. Paul’s North End neighborhood, is a Craftsman-style bungalow,
complete with deep crown molding and twin built-in cabinets still in excellent
condition. “My parents left me the house because I stayed and took care of
them,” she said. “I never married.” As a child, Marion was painfully shy,
“especially around boys.” In grade school, she preferred walking around the
block rather than eating with her classmates in the lunchroom. She lived out
her life as a dutiful daughter. After graduating from high school, to help with
the family finances, Marion received training through the National Youth
Administration, a New Deal agency that operated in the late 1930s. She had a
procession of jobs but nothing that really suited her. “The Catholic Digest was
the best job, but the worst pay,” she recalled. She spent the majority of her
working life as a switchboard operator with Northwestern Bell and other
companies. As predictable as her life became, Marion lunged impetuously into
one memorable summer of rebellion in 1947. Taking advantage of an opportunity
to travel west with a friend, she and her younger sister Lucille, nicknamed
Ceilie, paid their share of the gas. After traveling through several states,
they split from their friend and spent the next few months hitchhiking, seeing
the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Manitou Springs, Hoover Dam, San Francisco and the
missions of southern California. (See photo of Marion [l] and Celie [r] in San
Francisco.) “Ceilie and I paid our way by washing dishes and working in a
laundry,” Marion recalled. “We were always scared that summer. We were lucky to
be picked up by kind people, like the man and lady who brought us to Kings
Canyon and fed us, but some of the truck drivers who gave us rides weren’t so
nice. There were bears and cougars in the mountains. Still, we felt free! It’s
the best time I ever had.” As her parents grew older, Marion took on the role
of caregiver. Her father passed away at the age of 70. “And my mother died at
87 – that was 30 years ago now,” she noted. Marion admitted to feeling lonely,
especially on Sundays. She enjoys talking to Ceilie on the phone and sometimes
pays for service providers to come over just for the companionship. She doesn’t
get around easily; confined to a wheelchair, she can be taken outside using her
ramp, but busy Rice Street cuts her off from Tin Cup’s restaurant and Dollar
Tree. She pays to have her groceries delivered, house maintained, lawn mowed
and walk shoveled. “Crystal from the Block Nurse Program also checks in on me
regularly,” she said. Marion relies on LBFE to provide the friendship she
craves and is matched with two Visiting Volunteers. “Kelly was here just the
other day and she brought me those beautiful flowers,” she exclaimed, pointing
to a vaseful of pink astroemeria. She also receives visits from Anna. “I love
it when she brings along her two darling children,” Marion said. On
Thanksgiving and Christmas, Marion receives home delivered meals with visits
from LBFE. With the sun pouring into her living room, Marion reflected on her
life and acknowledged that she still has the ability to help others. “I can’t
get around much, but I believe I influence people by talking to them. I can
honestly say that I help people – that my life still makes a difference.” You
were right all along! by James Falvey, Executive Director Thanks to your
support, Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly has been making an impact on
the Twin Cities community since 1972. Throughout this time, our collective
efforts to seek out lonely, socially isolated elders and bring the hope and joy
of human companionship into their lives has been a mission that some found to
be merely “nice” rather than important or necessary. To these skeptics, our
motto, “Flowers before Bread,” didn’t make much sense. The need for food surely
must come before more superfluous wishes. But you knew better. Not only
did you recognize that human beings need more than just food and water to be
whole, you stepped up and put your time, talent and treasure forward to live
out the values that you hold. Now our work is being validated around the
world, from England creating a cabinet-level Minister of Loneliness to AARP
Public Policy Institute’s groundbreaking study showing how social isolation in
older adults adds significantly to the cost of Medicare. Our work, once thought
of as “nice,” is now being seen as necessary by a growing number of people and
organizations. Much of this new recognition seems to be based on the World
Health Organization’s work on the Social Determinants of Health. What the WHO
found is that the healthcare we receive from doctors, nurses, hospitals and
pharmaceuticals is a small component of our overall wellness, while social
determinants such as social connectedness play a much bigger role. To
capitalize on this growing awareness, LBFE staff members have been working with
Minnesota state legislators to create the Social Isolation Working Group. The
working group will be comprised of numerous organizations whose goal is to
develop and promote statewide solutions for those affected, including the
isolated elder community that you have been supporting for years. It is
wonderful to see that a growing number of people are realizing what we have
known all along: For people to be whole, friendship and companionship are every
bit as important as food and shelter. Because our community is growing more
receptive to our mission, your ongoing support is more crucial than ever. Thank
you very much for your volunteerism, donations and for spreading the word to
others about the importance of our work. Learn More About Our Mission "Seal of
approval" adds value to your volunteer experience At Little Brothers – Friends
of the Elderly, volunteers have always been a valuable asset as we reach out to
isolated elders in the community. In 2016, volunteers became even more critical
to our impact. A key LBFE Strategic Goal – to increase our capacity to serve
more elders - required that we rely primarily on volunteers to provide services
for our elders. To achieve this, we committed ourselves to ensuring that
volunteers are integrated throughout our entire organization while also
receiving a high level of training and support. By doing so, we will be better
equipped to address the needs of the elder community. Through the guidance of
Community Impact Director Ann Fosco, LBFE entered into and completed Service
Enterprise training, which included an extensive assessment, aggressive
internal planning, plus many hours of training and consulting. We are pleased
to announce that, in October, LBFE was nationally certified as a Service
Enterprise by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to
volunteer service. This is a status that only 15% of organizations nationwide
have achieved! Service Enterprise has provided an enhanced structure for our
volunteer program, allowed us to codify and validate some of the practices we
were already implementing and introduced new tools and practices. For example,
one tool, the Return on Volunteer Investment (ROVI) worksheet, enables us to
see how our added investments in volunteerism are already paying off. In less
than a year, we have doubled our ROVI, showing a value of more than $2.00 in
volunteer services for every dollar we spend. Additional benefits following the
training and certification process have included: More effective engagement of
skills-based volunteer leaders for programs such as Friendship and Flowers and
holiday meals Enhancements to volunteer orientation and regularly scheduled
enrichment for existing volunteers The development of a Volunteer Impact Task
Force, which enlists the support of current volunteers in the areas of
recruitment, retention and leadership, with the goal of creating a sustainable,
volunteer-led service delivery infrastructure In the coming months and years,
LBFE will continue to leverage Service Enterprise training and tools to become
more strategic in volunteer engagement, increase resources to support
volunteers and better recognize volunteers as assets to our organization. It is
only through our valued volunteers that we will inspire a community wide
movement of neighbors helping neighbors, ensuring no elder feels isolated and
alone, and every elder is valued and loved. Volunteer today! WISH LIST DONATED
GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES FOR WINGO!, OUR MAY 17TH FUNDRAISER Bottles of wine Gifts
cards Gift baskets Hotel stays Sports, concert or theater tickets Other gift
items To donate items, email Ceallaigh Anderson Smart or call 612.746.0739.
BUILDING COMMITTEE MEMBERS. A committee is being formed to explore options for
improving LBFE’s working environment environment. We are looking for people
with experience in commercial real estate, design/build construction,
commercial lending, corporate relocation, office design and project management
who will be willing to take on this limited-time project. If interested, email
James Falvey or call 612.746.0742. Preteen inspires with 'friendship is
ageless' mission Media such as videos, movies and television shows sometimes
project a stereotype of preteen girls that isn’t very flattering. For example,
they portray girls who avoid spending time with parents – if not all adults –
and whose worldview revolves around the friends in their immediate circle. But
meet Piper Blanch, an 11-year-old who is focused on serving others. Fortunately
for LBFE, she’s turned that focus on serving elders in our community. When
Piper’s mom, Brandy, became a Friendship and Flowers volunteer last November,
Piper was intrigued and accompanied her to orientation. While there, she
learned that many elders go months without human contact. “When she left,”
recalled Ann Fosco, Community Impact Director, “a fire was ignited. She wanted
to make sure all elders felt loved and cared about.” According to Piper,
volunteering “sounded like fun. So I started going with my mom when she visited
nursing homes. When you get older, you don’t do as much and people don’t visit
you much. We bring flowers, puzzles and cookies and it brightens their day.”
“She loved it immediately,” recalled Brandy, “but I insisted she show me she’s
absolutely committed and wouldn’t let her elders down. We missed our January
delivery because we were out of town. Piper was bummed! I knew then her heart
was in it.” Piper is now rallying friends and family to join a group she formed
called Friendship Is Ageless. “We have lots of kids who volunteer for LBFE,”
Ann said. “But, so far, Piper is the only one intent on forming a nonprofit
agency.” Her group currently includes Grandma and Mom making fleece tie
blankets. “Lots of my friends want to get involved; some are donating fleece.
Some are crocheting blankets,” Piper explained. When Piper isn’t going to
school and organizing groups serving the elderly, she’s contributing to the
Special Olympics, the Toy Corner, Feed My Starving Children, Project Prom and
ROCK (Reaching Our Community Kids). She also competes in pageants, including
Miss American Coed, Miss Minnesota Sweetheart, International Junior Miss, Miss
PreTeen Minnesota, National American Miss Minnesota Pre-Teen (4th runner-up)
and several smaller pageants. While these pageants help her gain poise and
confidence, she uses them to promote volunteerism. “People pay attention if you
have a title,” she explains. “So I’ll emphasize Friendship Is Ageless,
volunteering is for everybody, and it’s fun to connect people with different
ages.” While Piper’s commitment is atypical for her age, her other interests
are more characteristic of an 11-year-old: horseback riding, wrestling (yes,
she’s a wrestler!), baking and arts and crafts. “Piper is incredible!”
observed Ann. “We know she will make a big impact on her community for years to
come.” Kathleen Lindstrom, contributing editor INVESTING IN ELDERS IN THE NEW
TAX LAW ERA It's our hope that the recent changes to the tax law will have
little impact on your donations to Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly and
your other favorite charities. Tax season, though, is a good opportunity to
examine how your continued support can best benefit both you and the elders
served by LBFE. Here are some considerations: Remember why you donate to LBFE.
Do you recall the first time you gave? You likely were touched by a story about
a lonely elder who found comfort and a sense of belonging that was
life-changing. Or perhaps a friend or loved one you trusted asked you to
support LBFE. Stay true to your commitment to your charitable giving whether
you choose to itemize deductions or take the standard deduction. Make a
yearlong plan for giving. If you choose not to itemize, there is little reason
to wait until year’s end to make your donations. Here’s your chance to be more
deliberate in your giving. Begin by looking at your budget and how much you
gave in previous years, including during year-end appeals. Then spread that
amount evenly with monthly giving. To make it even easier, set up automatic
deductions from your checking account. Review your paystubs from before and
after the tax law changes. If you have an increase in your take-home pay,
consider putting a portion toward charitable giving through payroll deduction.
Non-itemizers may deduct a portion of contributions on your Minnesota state
returns. If you live in and pay taxes in Minnesota and do not itemize
deductions on your federal income tax return, you may be able to deduct 50% of
total charitable contributions exceeding $500. For married couples who file
separately, each spouse making at least $500 in contributions can claim a
deduction on the additional amount on their return. Consult your tax advisor
for details regarding your situation. While tax laws may have changed, the
issue of elder isolation in our community is as critical as ever. It is only
through your ongoing support that older adults will continue to find hope and a
sense of well-being. For more information about giving options, visit
littlebrothersmn.org/donate.aspx. Recent grants awarded Our heartfelt thanks
are offered to the following organizations that have awarded grants or gifts to
the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter of Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly
from July 1 through December 31, 2017. Grants support general operations unless
noted otherwise. Anonymous Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Elmer L. and Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen
Foundation Bergerson Family Foundation Burdick Family Fund of the Minneapolis
Foundation Charity Incorporated The Cliff Foundation, a Donor Advised Fund of
Renaissance Charitable Foundation Paul and Patricia Curran Foundation
Hardenbergh Foundation Julie C. and William R. Howard Charitable Fund IWJ
Charitable Foundation Margaret H. and James E. Kelley Foundation Inc. Leonette
M. and Fred T. Lanners Foundation Jane E. Malless Onan Family Foundation The
Jay & Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Minnesota The Elizabeth C. Quinlan
Foundation, Inc. Margaret Rivers Fund Summer Fund David J. Sutton Gift Fund
Target Foundation James R. Thorpe Foundation Tita Family Charitable Gift Fund
Voelbel Family Fund of the Twin Cities Christian Foundation Wege Foundation
ANNUAL REPORT AVAILABLE ONLINE The annual report with list of donors for LBFE's
fiscal year 2017 is now available online. As a cost-saving measure, a limited
number of the report was printed. To request a print version, please contact us
at <email obscured> or 612.721.1400. PHOTO GALLERY Gifts galore! The
American Lung Association donated a carload of gifts – from cozy blankets and
stuffed animals to toiletries and delicious chocolates – for our elder friends.
Because of their generosity, elders who otherwise would not have had any gift
under their tree had a much happier holiday. Christmas Eve More than 120
isolated elders received a turkey and ham dinner with all the trimmings
prepared at the Envision Event Center in Oakdale. Elders who joined us at
Envision were surrounded by caring volunteer escorts. Homebound elders received
a delivered meal from volunteers along with flowers and friendly conversation.
A total of 204 volunteers, as well as our generous donor community, made the
joyful event a possibility. VAN forum In January, LBFE’s James Falvey and Dr.
Bruce McBeath, practicing psychologist, were guest speakers at a forum by Vital
Aging Network (VAN), "Social connections: an antidote to loneliness and
isolation." The forum, held at the Ramsey County Library – Roseville, addressed
the psychological issues of loneliness and the need for a community-wide
response. Donor appreciation gathering Board member Bob Lawson and his wife,
Nan Lu, graciously opened their home to some of LBFE’s most ardent supporters
in February. The wine and cheese gathering celebrated the progress LBFE has
made on behalf of isolated elders while also giving supporters an opportunity
to discuss future initiatives. 1845 East Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55407
Phone: 612.721.1400 Fax: 612.721.5848 <email obscured> Website
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