Amidst the backdrop of bustling streets and hurried lives, a heartwarming initiative seeks to bridge the gap between generations and bring companionship to those who need it most. Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) is a glimmer of hope in the lives of seniors, offering them the warmth of friendship and the joy of human connection. Founded with the simple yet powerful belief that no elderly person should feel alone, Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly fosters meaningful relationships between volunteers and seniors. Their mission is to alleviate loneliness and isolation among the elderly by providing companionship, support, and a sense of belonging.
Danielle Berg, a Program Coordinator at Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly (LBFE), has a passion for the elderly and volunteerism. “My work at LBFE is profoundly rewarding fulfilling and I have an opportunity to make a difference in people's lives every day,” Berg continues, “I believe that we have an ethical responsibility to make sure our elderly loved ones
are safe, secure, and getting the attention they need.”
For generations, it has been customary to care for elderly loved ones, but culture seems to have shifted away from this mindset for various reasons. The elderly population in the Upper Peninsula is a significant part of our community and will only increase as the population ages. In fact, 20 percent of the population in Michigan is over 65 years old. What sets Little Brothers apart is their emphasis on building genuine friendships. Volunteers, known as "Visiting Volunteers," are matched with seniors based on shared interests, personalities, and backgrounds, creating bonds beyond mere visits. These friendships blossom through regular interactions, whether it’s sharing a cup of tea, taking a stroll in the park, or simply spending quality time together. The impact of these friendships is profound, both for the seniors and the volunteers. For the
elderly, having a Little Brother or Sister means having someone who genuinely cares, listens attentively, and brings joy into their lives. It's not just about companionship; it's about feeling valued and appreciated, knowing that there's someone who looks forward to spending time with them.
“We could not do all this without the help of our beloved volunteers,” Berg says. Volunteers often find the experience equally rewarding. They gain insights into different life experiences, learn valuable lessons from their senior friends, and develop a deep sense of empathy and compassion. “Many volunteers describe their involvement with Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly as life-changing, as it allows them to make a tangible difference in someone else's life while forging meaningful connections that last a lifetime,” Berg says.
The impact of Little Brothers extends beyond individual friendships; it ripples through communities, fostering a culture of compassion and solidarity. By highlighting the importance of caring for our elderly population, Little Brothers—Friends of the Elderly reminds us that we are all connected, regardless of age or background. It inspires others to reach out, lend a helping hand, and spread kindness wherever they go.
Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly has been in the Upper Peninsula for over 40 years. It offers several programs to improve the quality of life for elders trying to maintain their independence. One program LBFE has is the Friendly Visiting Program, which provides friendship and social support for lonely, isolated elderly people aged 60 or older. These visits include more than just friendly conversation. “We also assist our Forever Friends with medical transportation (handicap accessible), running errands, and small tasks free of charge,” Berg says. In Houghton and Keweenaw Counties, LBFE provides door-through-door Medical Transportation for elderly residents aged 60 and older, and in Marquette County, they provide transportation to the nearest regional hospital.
Other programs Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly has are their firewood program and holiday dinners. The firewood program offers a load of firewood each winter to elders in the Copper Country who still heat their homes with firewood. This helps to offset their annual heating costs. On Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, LBFE hosts a holiday dinner party at ten different locations across five counties for anyone aged 60 or older who will be alone on the holiday. Transportation is provided for elders who request it, while for those who cannot attend the holiday parties in person, LBFE offers meal deliveries to their homes. The last of Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly's programs consists of their food assistance program, where each month they deliver a grocery bag of non-perishable food to elderly people who qualify in the Copper Country and then their medical aid equipment program where they accept and loan out common aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, and commodes. “We also provide our Forever Friends with numerous social activities and celebrations throughout the year, including celebrating birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day,” Berg says.
Transportation is a substantial barrier for the elderly, limiting their ability to reach vital locations such as medical appointments and grocery stores. Furthermore, a continual shortage of qualified caregivers exacerbates the problem, leaving many elderly people needing assistance without proper care. Particularly in the Copper Country, where elders strive to maintain independence in remote areas, individuals may overlook elders' need for assistance, leading to potential gaps in care. This emphasizes the necessity of community awareness and support. On top of that, long-distance familial interactions are prevalent in the Upper Peninsula. This complicates the task of caring for aging family members, which is another major issue for the
elderly.
“We can all contribute to improving the quality of life for our elderly friends and neighbors,” Berg continues, “Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to care for the elders in our community.” By recognizing the problem and becoming a part of the solution, everyone can do a little to make a big impact. “If you have an elderly friend or neighbor, reach out. Say hello. Check-in. If you have a concern,
report them,” Berg says.
Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly reminds us of the timeless value of human connection. It reminds us that a simple act of kindness, a genuine smile, or a heartfelt conversation can brighten someone's day and make a difference. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us not forget the wisdom and warmth of our elders, and let us strive to create a world where no one feels alone. As Berg reflected on common misconceptions or lack of information about the elderly population, one prevalent misunderstanding stood out to her: the belief that older adults lose their zest for life.
“In reality, the opposite holds true. Through my experiences, I've come to understand that seniors often deeply appreciate life's value and embrace it with enthusiasm,” Berg says. Challenging stereotypes and recognizing the vitality and wisdom that older individuals bring to our communities is important. The most crucial aspect of addressing senior loneliness and isolation in the Upper Peninsula boils down to recognizing the issue and taking action to make a difference. “By acknowledging the problem and getting involved through volunteer efforts, we can collectively effect significant change in the lives of our elderly community members,” Berg continues, “Each of us has the power to contribute, and even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.”
Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a more compassionate and inclusive society. Ultimately, it's not just about the friendships formed; it's about the profound impact those friendships have on the lives of individuals and the communities they inhabit. With each visit, each conversation, and each shared moment, Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly reminds us that love knows no bounds and that friendship can transcend generations.
The NMU Center for Rural Health and Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly share a joint mission. “It is a collaborative goal to improve the health and well-being of the residents of the Upper Peninsula. If we work together we can do great things,” Berg says. If anyone is interested in volunteering, they can contact their local LBFE office by phone or email, and if you would like to make a donation to Little Brothers, you can send it in by mail, or you can donate through their website: houghton.littlebrothers.org. Marquette Office: (906) 273-2575. Hancock Office: (906) 482- 6944.
The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health seeks to improve Upper Peninsula residents' and communities' health and well-being by developing collaborative partnerships that enhance the access and availability of affordable, quality healthcare services. For questions or comments related to this story, contact ruralhealth@nmu.edu.