A Volunteer Friendship Program for Lonely Elder and Disabled Persons in Nursing Homes and Long Term Care Facilities
WHAT IS LITA?
LITA (Love Is The Answer) is a non-profit agency founded in 1980 to match volunteers as one-to-one friends with people who live in convalescent hospitals and other long term care facilities in Contra Costa County. LITA is non-sectarian and there is no charge for LITA's services.
WHAT IS OUR MISSION?
Our mission is to improve the quality of life and lessen the loneliness of residents by providing a friendly human contact where there is none. Over half of the people in nursing homes have no one to visit them regularly. These individuals often feel alone and isolated. Many have already suffered the loss of a spouse, their home and their health. To be friendless is a blow from which many do not recover.
LITA volunteers are able to assist residents in maintaining a sense of dignity and self-worth by sharing their friendship. Residents with LITA friends may show improvement in mental or physical health; enjoy the relief and peace of mind that comes from having a friend to talk to and express feelings.
HOW DID LITA GET STARTED?
LITA of Contra Costa was founded by Iris Suhl in 1980. We were the first independent expansion of LITA, Inc. The original LITA is in Marin, which was founded in 1975 by Mae Wygant. LITA is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization. There are now LITAs serving Contra Costa and Marin counties. The LITAs are completely independent but cooperate with each other. LITA replication kits are available to those who might like to start LITAs in other locations.
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