Published On 10/12/2020
As the pandemic has impacted all of our lives most dramatically, our more than 100 volunteers were put into immediate action, creatively adapting to serving members in different ways: instead of face-to-face companion get-togethers, pairs met in the park, over Face Time and Zoom; when one member was unexpectedly hospitalized, his daughter across the country asked us to retrieve his eye glasses and cell phone; when in-person weekly program and committee events were no longer possible, we all dived into learning technology and zoomed our way into members’ homes. Thus far, we have provided more than 75 virtual programs, mostly free to our members, volunteers, and guests. Since March, nearly 1,000 people have participated. Penn’s Village mission is to help members in central Philadelphia connect, engage and thrive so they can remain in their own homes as they age, face health issues and deal with loneliness and social isolation exacerbated by this pandemic.