Lifespan Resources
This year is the 40th anniversary of the founding of
Lifespan Resources, whose mission statement is “building communities that welcome us as we age.”
In 1981, NDBC joined with several other northside congregations (Protestant, Catholic and Jewish) and committed to an ambitious project (originally Northside Atlanta Senior Services) to assure seniors that retirement can be stimulating and rewarding, while giving them the chance to support each other, teach each other and grow into a community.
What does that mean specifically at Lifespan? In any given week, each day is filled with opportunities to sign up for a myriad of lectures, classes, and activities that include everything under the sun -- from estate planning, studio art, tai chi, and line dancing, even a monthly book club. But it’s not all fun and games, in
a metropolitan area where transportation can be one of the most significant challenges for older adults, Lifespan’s Medical Escort Transportation Program organizes volunteer drivers for older adults in the community to get to medical appointments easily and safely.
Lifespan’s initial vision for building communities that welcome and celebrate seniors continues today, but, wow, how things have changed! Not only is NDBC’s congregation different now, but the larger community is also vastly different. Lifespan has grown to find new ways to meet these opportunities and challenges, especially now that there are more of us who are considered ‘older adults’ than ever in our history. This pandemic year has been the biggest challenge in their 40 years of senior services. Lifespan has met this daunting challenge thanks to the continued commitment of its affiliate congregations, organizations and individuals.
It’s a testament to NDBC’s foresight in 1981 that thousands of Atlanta area seniors have been energized, enriched and enthused for 40 years and counting!
Thank you Northside Drivers for your constant, committed support of this important mission.
Nancy Hall, Missions Chair
