The FriendShip Newsletter - April 2024
Office Information
Contact Info: 803-602-6434 or contact@thefriendship.org
Regular Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Member Spotlight: Ruth B. Smith
Ruth Smith was one of the very first enrolled members of The FriendShip. She learned about it at a church potluck. When asked about what The FriendShip has done for her, she responded, “My husband died in 2013, then a sister, and brother. Volunteers drove me to and from chemotherapy that lasted 4-7 hours.” During those times and since, she says The FriendShip's support has made her feel like she has "someone in her corner" and that has meant so much.
Over the years, Ruth has become very involved at The FriendShip. She has hosted a barbecue for 16 members and volunteers at her Gazebo and musical gatherings at her home. She serves on the Program Committee and regularly attends The FriendShip's social and educational offerings. She might arrive with her signature pecan pie or a bag of pecans from her tree. She reflects “I live by myself. The FriendShip provides valuable socialization.” She walks 2.3 miles a day, and especially enjoys having a FriendShip volunteer join her for these outings.
Alongside her participation at The FriendShip, Ruth is a devoted and long-time volunteer at MUSC Northeast hospital. She has written one book about growing up in the country and is working on her second book about her cancer journey. She also loves being outdoors and working in her yard and brings a positive attitude to all she does.
Thank you, Ruth, for enriching The FriendShip in so many ways!
March Program Recap: Spring has Sprung!
March was full of great programs to begin the months of spring. We started off the month with a Dutch Treat Lunch at California Dreaming, and the portions were so big that we all got to take home leftovers to enjoy later too!
On March 12, Dr. Laura Woliver, a USC Distinguished Professor Emerita, led us in a riveting discussion about women's history and women in politics. We especially enjoyed hearing experiences of our own members and volunteers related to the topic.
To round out the month, we held a "Meet Me 50 Years Ago" social hour. Attendees brought old photos of themselves to share. There were so many beautiful pictures from cherished times like weddings, graduations, and more. This was a fun way to meet others involved with The FriendShip and learn a little about their past.
As always, we thank our guest speaker and the Program Committee for putting together these events! We look forward to all that late spring and summer have in store!
Special Opportunity for Members: Prevent Falls
The FriendShip is launching a new Falls Prevention Project, and we want to encourage all members to take advantage of this offering! Falls are not a normal part of the aging process. Learn how you can PREVENT falls by signing up to participate in this project.
Occupational therapist Erin Jeffords has trained our volunteers to conduct home safety screens for interested members. After the volunteers conduct the screens, Erin will give you personalized recommendations of simple, but effective, ways to prevent falls in your home! Sign up today, and we will reach out in the coming weeks with more information on your screening process.
Ready to sign up or need more info? Just contact The FriendShip office at contact@thefriendship.org or call 803-602-6434.
Special Event for Volunteers: Volunteer Appreciation Celebration (April 21)
Volunteers, you are invited to a special event during National Volunteer Month to celebrate your amazing generosity and kindness. We are so thankful for all you do for The FriendShip and our members! Join us on Sunday, April 21 for refreshments, a flower arranging activity, and a chance to socialize with other volunteers. This celebration will be held in the St. John's Dining Room from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 17. For more information or to RSVP, email contact@thefriendship.org or call 803-602-6434.
Help Us Raise Funds & Spread Awareness About The FriendShip!
The FriendShip is gearing up once again to participate in Midlands Gives, a one-day online giving event for nonprofits in our region sponsored by the Central Carolina Community Foundation. Since its inception in 2014, this community-wide day of philanthropy has raised $24 million for local nonprofits.
Over the years, Midlands Gives Day has become a critical fundraiser for The FriendShip. It is also an incredible opportunity to introduce our work to new friends! Mark your calendars... The big day this year is on May 7!
Here's how you can help:
- Spread the word - Make sure your friends and family know that The FriendShip participates in this popular philanthropy event. Your targeted outreach to family and friends will make a big difference! If you are on Facebook or Instagram, be sure to share our posts about the big day.
- Donate - Donate on May 7! Or, get a jumpstart by donating today; early giving is already open!
It is always so inspiring to be a part of Midlands Gives, which highlights the incredible work accomplished by so many nonprofits in the Midlands as well as the generous spirit of our community. Please help us make sure this year's Midlands Gives campaign is a success!
Upcoming Events-at-a-Glance
- Friday, April 12 at 12:00 p.m. - Spring Picnic
- Sunday, April 21 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. - Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
- Wednesday, April 24 at 2:00 p.m. - Afternoon Social Hour
- Thursday, May 2 at 11:30 - Dutch Treat Lunch at Moctezuma's
- Tuesday, May 7 - Midlands Gives Day!
You can find an events calendar on our website as well.
Spring Picnic (April 12)
Earth Day is celebrated in April so what better time to enjoy the outdoors! Members, volunteers, and guests are invited to The FriendShip's picnic lunch at Quinine Hill Park on Friday, April 12 at noon. In case of bad weather, we will meet in the Dining Room at St. John's.
The Program Committee will be ordering an assortment of sandwiches and will provide a side and a drink. The cost will be around $10 (exact details TBA), and payment can be given on the day of the picnic. Or, you are welcome to bring a bagged lunch.
Please RSVP by April 10 at noon. For more information or to RSVP, email contact@thefriendship.org or call 803-602-6434. As always, we are happy to provide rides to members who need them!
An Afternoon of Socializing and Poetry (April 24)
"Poetry is nearer to vital truth than history." -Plato
Our April Social Hour is themed to celebrate National Poetry Month. You are invited to bring a poem--either an original or a favorite--to share. This will be a fun opportunity to spend time with other volunteers and members in a relaxed, friendly setting. Light refreshments will be provided. The social hour will take place in the St. John's Dining Room on Wednesday, April 24 at 2:00 p.m.
As always, we can coordinate rides for members, if needed. To RSVP, please email contact@thefriendship.org or call 803-602-6434.
Dutch Treat Lunch at Moctezuma's (May 2)
We'll be celebrating Cinco De Mayo a little early this year with a Dutch Treat Lunch at Moctezuma's Taqueria on Thursday, May 2 at 11:30 a.m. This restaurant offers a large menu of Mexican cuisine such as tacos, quesadillas, and their delicious chips and salsa. Moctezuma's is located at 506 Beltline Boulevard. To RSVP, please email contact@thefriendship.org or call 803-602-6434. We can provide rides for members who want one.
Thank You to Our Donors!
As a nonprofit organization, The FriendShip relies on the support of generous donors to fulfill our mission. Through their gifts, our supporters are making lasting change in our community. We are grateful for March donations from:
- Lee Rambo
- Bill Robinson
- Norah Rogers
- Carolina Together
- Suzanne and Roger Way
If you would like to make a donation, you can always mail a check to our office or donate on our website. Or, consider donating to our Midlands Gives campaign; early giving is already open for Midlands Gives, or you can donate on the big day, which is May 7. Thank you for your support!
Resources of Interest
Below is information that might be of interest about a few upcoming opportunities that are being offered by partner organizations.
Registration for the spring session of The Shepherd's Center is open now! Beginning on April 10, this nine-week session offers classes on all sorts of topics such as yoga, music, Zumba Gold, history, art, writing, Tai Chi, and more. The Shepherd's Center meets on Wednesdays with morning classes beginning about 9:00 a.m. and then lunch with a variety of speakers. For more information, call 803-779-4449 or visit https://shepherdscentercolumbia.org/.
The South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA) hosts free webinars that provide education about dementia. Each month, the SCDOA offers "Dementia 101: The Basics," and the next offering will be May 2 at 1:00 p.m. The SCDOA is also launching a new class, "Dementia 201: Positive Interactions," which will focus on "practical, day-to-day communication and problem-solving strategies" for caregivers. It will next be offered on May 9 at 9:00 a.m. To learn more about the May classes or others coming up in the future, visit the events tab of the SCDOA website at aging.sc.gov or contact Tori Anderson at 803-545-4277 or toanderson@aging.sc.gov.
