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I'm hoping to set up a network for seniors at my church where they can easily communicate and set social meetings, lunch dates, attend local events, etc.. I'm doing this so they can easily remain socially active. A very simple social networking system. I'm in the early stages of setting this up. The seniors can also use it, when they may need a ride to the doctor, or help getting groceries, etc. Thank you.

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What a great idea! It sounds like it will be very helpful to the seniors in your community, and a good outreach program as well.
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HappyWill Dec 2018
Thanks on this. I'm still in the development stages, looking ideas on how to create the network that seniors can communicate with one another to set up social activities (going out to lunch, museums, etc.), help each other in time of need, and communicate.
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My Church, at one time, had a buddy group for shut ins. A shut in was assigned. We were asked to send cards. Visit when we could or call to say hi. Maybe a small gift for special occasions.

I recommend you contact your Office of Aging. Ours has a booklet that lists all the resources available to seniors. I was able to take the booklet apart and copy it. I worked at our Township Visiting Nurse Assoc as a secretary. I had a folder on where there were food closets other than ours. Where food was given free on certain days. Red Cross has drivers. United Way has services. Ours has the dates for government food pick up if you get assistance.

Once a year the Disabilities Dept has a free luncheon where they outline services for the deaf, diabeties and other health problems.

Good Luck. Its hard for Seniors to obtain info because they have no idea where to start.
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HappyWill Dec 2018
Thanks on this. I'm hoping to create a simple network at the church, so we can create an easy way that the seniors can remain active and get out socially. A way that people can easily contact & communicate with each other to initiate their own social network and we part of a bigger community.
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Are you looking for an outline of what needs to be created to implement this? Like people signing up that have a need, people that are willing to provide transportation or meals or visiting, etc.?

I would begin with that simple step. Have your Pastor announce your plan and ask for people to sign up to help brain storm, create sign up sheets, delegate responsibilities, create calendars, you will need a list of volunteers and a needs list. Cross reference needs and supplies, ie Joan needs rides and meals, Becca, debbie, hanna will provide transportation, julie, freddy Christy will help with meals Bob Dave will do both. These types of spreadsheets will be specific to your needs but you can look this type of stuff up on YouTube and Google to have a good starting point. You will modify it a dozen times before you find what works best.

I just thought that you can just schedule a luncheon (buffets are good for this, tables can be added as needed and eating as you arrive) and get people involved, this can be people from both sides, have a sheet available that has name, address, phone #, email and need transportation or will provide transportation.

This is a great idea and I am sure will be a blessing for many.
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HappyWill Dec 2018
Thanks so much on this. I think that is a great idea about having the pastor announce it before the congregation and have everyone brainstorm on this. I'm really kind of struggling figuring out all the different aspects on my own. So I think this is a really good idea. What I'm also going to do, is really create the social aspect to it. Where individuals can contact one another, for some sort of social activity. Maybe 3 or 4 people would like to go out to lunch or meet weekly for coffee & pastry, or possibly go to a museum or something (for those who can). I feel the social aspect is so crucial for maintaining good health. I want to do some of this online so that people can do a lot of this on their own. Again, thanks so much for your suggestions.
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You can use simple spread sheets that have names listed alphabetically, addresses, phone #s and emails. I would have a column for desired way of contact.

If people are techies, you can email the list or for those that don't use computers just print it off.

I would also encourage people that need transportation to sign up and get others lined up to give rides for those unable to drive.

I hope you get this set up and it is fruitful.

God bless you and your endeavor.
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HappyWill Dec 2018
Thanks so much on this. It is real helpful. The rides, computers, and lists for non techies/drivers. I feel this may be part of my approach for this. It's going to be kind program that is going to have different aspects to it. If you ever have any additional ideas, please let me know. I'm very appreciative.
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Wow, that sounds great. I wish my church would have that for seniors, but I never heard of any area churches doing that where I live. As a senior myself, I have felt completely left out at church, cuz I'm not going to their 7pm church meetings or groups. (By 7pm I'm in my pajamas,) lol. I think the southern USA has lots better churches than the northeast, (where I live). God bless your efforts friend✌.
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HappyWill Dec 2018
Just go. Find a church nearby that has a Sunday morning service. If you don't like it, go to another. I'm still at the early stages with developing this. One couple who just joined our church, came from Atlanta where they had 7000 people, but much smaller groups (150 ) people who created their own support groups. I'm still looking for ideas how to create easy contact for people, especially those who are more home bound.
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