Linder Initiative
In loving memory of L. Linder Lombard (1909 - 2002)

"To live longer should not be regarded as exceptional, or as a burden or challenge, but rather as the blessing that it is."
~Archbishop Renato Martino~
Elderly people help us to see human affairs with greater wisdom because life's vicissitudes have brought them knowledge and maturity.  They are the guardians of our collective memory, and thus the privileged interpreters of that body of ideals and common values which support and guide life in society.  To exclude the elderly is in a sense to deny the past, in which the present is firmly rooted.  Precisely because of their mature experience, the elderly are able to offer young people precious advice and guidance.  However, because of the burden of their years, many of our elderly face abandonment, mistreatment, and loneliness.
The Linder Initiative promotes an attitude of acceptance and appreciation of the elderly.  As an extension of our international volunteer programs, teen volunteers desiring to fulfill community service requirements here at home are invited to spend time in conversation, companionship, and caregiving to elderly persons living at local nursing and rehabilitation centers. 

The Linder Initiative invites our young volunteers to embrace the elderly by entering into their lives with the hope of fostering a deeper personal understanding of this phase of life.  The Linder Initiative requires a minimum three-month commitment, during which teen volunteers will give one hour each week in service to the elderly. Sample volunteer activities are listed below.  Alternatively, teen volunteers may desire to be paired with an older person with whom they will assist, solely, during their service experience. 
Through the Linder Initiative, we encourage both young and old to develop closer, long-term relationships, remembering that at every stage of life, each of us has the ability to give and gain wisdom, compassion, understanding, and friendship.

Sample volunteer activities include:
  • assisting in the kitchen to prepare, serve, and clean up after meals
  • helping to launder clothing, bath, and bed linens, as well as assisting in the changing of linens
  • distributing light snacks and beverages
  • light exercise
  • praying, reading scripture, and distributing the Holy Eucharist (if you are an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion)
  • taking patients on walks and talks
  • playing memory games, singing songs, drawing, painting, etc.
  • reading books and/or magazine articles of patient interest
  • with the help of friends, preparing baked goods (brownies, cookies, etc.), once each month
  • bringing a spirit of joy, patience, love, and laughter (mandatory!)
To inquire about the Linder Initiative, send us a note using the form on the "Contact Us" page.  Please include "Linder Initiative" in the subject line.
Older people can enrich our lives much more than we ever imagined!