There is always room in the heart for one more friend
Viva Village is a local volunteer-led organization, fostering neighbor-to-neighbor connections and helping to build friendships. Members of the Village benefit from social interactions, the services volunteers provide, and the Village’s enrichment activities. Volunteers find meaning and a sense of community in being of service to others. Members who are volunteers, offer their time and skills to fellow members.
- Connection is one of the foundational principles of Viva Village. We are one another’s best defense against loneliness, isolation, and the physical and psychological damage they can wreak. Out of connections come friendships and all the benefits of caring for one another.
- Making a friend can be a kind of dance, awkward at first and requiring some tenacity. You must find a common rhythm and both be willing to give and take in turn. Eventually, the hesitations, the pushing and pulling and bruised toes give way to smooth interaction and ease. How long does it take? Sometimes it’s instantaneous but often it takes longer. However long it takes, it is precious and can sustain us when all else has failed.
- Opportunities for connection through Viva Village are many. There are social, cultural, and educational programs, including special-interest groups, day and evening social events, and lectures and conferences. There’s household and technology assistance from trained and vetted volunteers and access to a list of screened professionals.
Viva Village has cracked the code of making friends. While you still need to put in the effort, there is no end to the opportunities for connection. You need only be willing.
By Roberta S. Lang, Viva Village Member
