October 1st the Madison the State Journal published an article titled, “Aging Population Poses Test”. The article pointed out that Wisconsinites who are 75 and older will increase by 75% in the next two decades and we are not prepared to care for them with traditional assisted living or nursing home beds. They mentioned staffing challenges. In fact the long term care workforce shortage is actually a crisis causing the closing of many care settings. Research shows most Americans fear institutionalization more than death–loneliness, lack of purpose and the caregiver workforce crisis are major concerns. Yet, there is hope! Research shows that 70% of the needs causing people to go into assisted living can be met by organized neighbors. Right here in Madison, our local non-profit Hope & A Future III, Inc. is working on an approach that could be an industry change maker. We are creating a vibrant intergenerational community where everyone can live fulfilling lives, supported by deep social connections and enriched by meaningful relationships across generations. We empower seniors and young families alike, fostering a culture of care, creativity, and collaboration. Housing, services and community building meet. Young and old help each other! Hospice care is available. We can Embrace Generations in Community! Seniors can enrich care for children and families while they in tern enrich the lives of seniors! All generations can hope again, reignite their imaginations and build better lives together. They can do more than survive, they can truly thrive!
This summer we had a beautiful outdoor event with music by the Krause Family Band, children’s author Brian Baker signing his books, Face Painting and a book and bakery sale. A very talented face painter, Mari, came from Minnesota to donate her time. She had heard about Hope & A Future, but was overwhelmed when she actually visited. She said she wanted to think it over and send her observations later. I believe you will enjoy this young woman’s story.
Thank you,
Karin
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- Brian Baker and children’s book, Imagination, pictured with one of his sons, to whom the book is dedicated. Copies of the book were sold at the event with a portion of proceeds benefitting Hope & A Future.
Hope and A Future: By Mari
Overview and Observation: “What it meant to me”
It felt like a dream almost. The environment is enchanting, beautiful and it felt like a safe space. The sun hit the home, casting a hopeful light on the entire living quarters, back and side yard.
“This is what hope really looks like,” I thought. I found myself repeating that, as I received a lovely tour of the home. This is place of care and more…. We see places and hear about care facilities and spaces for our elders, yet this is far from that.
“What makes the “Hope and a Future” lifestyle different than other care facilities?” I wondered…
From afar I could see this being relatable and similar to other places of special care.
However, upon discovery, I came to realize this is nothing I have ever felt or known. This is a cure.
A live-in cure to a serious epidemic called “Loneliness”.
It’s not just a place where you help the elderly. This is all about community. You, no matter your age, are getting help from others, just as you provide help to others. You live with other people young and old from all walks of life, and you are living amongst them as a family.
Parts of the world live this lifestyle too, where everyone stays in a village and helps one another emotionally, physically, and mentally. Here, people have responsibility and purpose, and everyone depends on everyone. It’s always a two way street of healthy and loving connections. You work together, sing together, cook together, clean together, and be there for one another. You’re a chosen family.
That is what makes up a wholesome human. Human connection. As a younger individual it is normal to grow up into the world and work to invest in a life you want and to feel loved. As an older person it is normal to live the life you want comfortably, maintain meaning, and feel loved. This place provides you with that and so much more.
People need to thrive and to do so, everyone needs community. Being alone long term harms everyone mentally, emotionally and even physically. Humans as a species are tribal by nature. It is biologically part of everyone’s DNA. We need human connection or we will fade away just like a flower needing sun and water. We thrive in a village of people.
This communal living lifestyle is a cure to everyone who needs help living and being around others. The world has what is called villages in parts of Asia, Europe, and South America. It is culturally expected and accepted that everyone watches over one another, no matter how young or old you are. Some countries have it so families all over the village watch each other’s kids and elders. Everyone takes turns and provides their skills for the unit, not just a small primary part of their family. Everyone’s family is included.
I understand, in America, that is not culturally accepted. Most families now do not have villages and communities like there once were. Kids are expected to grow up within their immediate family and avoid their neighbors and adopt “Stranger Danger” in their neighborhoods and villages. Even some public schools teach children to grow up and move away from their family, to make a new family for themselves and focus on their jobs rather than keeping their community strong. Sports, art, and extra activities are now provided for certain classes of children instead of all children.
I, too, was taught to separate and isolate as a kid from other nearby communities and people. I was told to focus on work, make money, create a family. What about those who can’t live like that? Or cannot fit into the norm of modern day society? Is having a family and staying within the norms of operations called “The American Dream” the “only” way to live?
What about those who need love and care when there is no family left because they’ve died or traveled away?
What happens to people who feel lost and can’t afford an education, a home, or are struggling to keep their family secure? Then what? Do they have to live alone, struggle to survive, and be labeled in society as useless, not needed, impoverished, forgotten, incapable to help and provide, a burden to society?
What about all of us? People need people. It’s what makes up our entire existence. There are so many people in the United States that feel utterly alone and unloved. It really is a true epidemic and the correlation between severe loneliness and self destruction is a very deep concern. This place “Hope & A Future” is a cure to loneliness and the feeling of despair for all young and old.
Feeling is believing, not just seeing.
Feeling.
If there is a community that supports all people, no matter their differences, where everyone can feel included and feel needed; should that not be considered a new way to live entirely?
If there is a cure for loneliness, shouldn’t we as a human race pay attention and do our part? I think we have something here at “Hope and A Future” – the cure to no longer being and feeling alone.
Thank you to the founder and the amazing team of “Hope and A Future” for educating me and allowing me to face paint at your event.
Mari V.
Face Paint For Fun
2024
Email Mari at [email protected] for your face painting needs! You will not be disappointed.