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Engaging our Seniors
You shall rise before the aged, and defer to the old; and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:32
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Engaging our Seniors
EPISCOPAL SENIORS FOUNDATION FUNDS PROGRAMS ACROSS DIOCESE
The Episcopal Seniors Foundation (ESF) has supported a variety of ministries for our seniors across the diocese this year. The foundation initiated a program called The Joyful Hearts Club. At San Pedro’s/St. Peter, Pasadena, some classes have had as many as almost 50 seniors, with an average of 25 attendees per class. The group meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month for approximately two hours. The Abundant Living Conference at Camp Allen reflected upon the theme “Laughter, the Best Medicine” and created space for participants to awaken new passions in life through music, art, nature walks, cooking, canoeing, fly fishing, and labyrinth walks. This year the ESF proudly supported the program Neighbor 2 Neighbor through Welcome Table, a ministry of St. James’, Austin. Local seniors in need receive food, emergency financial assistance, health screenings, and above all, fellowship in a caring community. Their clients have a median income of $9,939 per year, well below the federal poverty threshold. The Not Slippery When Wet Fall Prevention Program is a new partnership with Houston area floor coating professionals to install traction coating and safety lighting in seniors’ homes. Seniors gathered at San Pedro’s/ St.Peter, for food, fellowship, and learning about healthy habits and fall prevention. Young at Heart is a faith-based community that focuses on health and wellness for adults 50 years and older. It is a ministry of St. Francis, Tyler. They hold six-week workshops on topics such as Managing Chronic Disease and invite guest speakers to discuss issues from advance directives to contemplative meditation. The community's Young at Heart participants gather for fellowship through hymnal sing-alongs and bingo brunches. ESF has engaged in community outreach events to promote its programs and services.
