Sometimes a vision just needs a reason, and Laura Jones (pictured) is a perfect example of being on mission at the right time.
Laura is founder of the Wise Owls Initiative, a non-profit focused on reducing the negative effects of isolation on our senior population through volunteer and activity engagement. The organization is an outgrowth of her own clinical and evidence-based research, and is a coordinated effort with agencies across Williamson County.
Laura and her multi-generational group of volunteers create events and activities that provide positive and creative stimulation for elders who are observing strict social distancing in group facilities or living alone.
Laura says, “I just love elderly patients and people, and have committed my career and vocations to them. With all the changes in 2020, it was on my heart to expand my work outside the clinical setting, and into homes where the needs often go unseen. When I began helping the Medical Reserve Corp I saw the county employees working on all burners for our health and safety, so I decided I could get the emotional health lane covered.” She then used her COVID stimulus check to establish the Wise Owls Initiative, which primarily helps those in nursing homes who are in need of contact and support.
MEETING SENIORS WHERE THEY ARE
Wise Owls began with volunteers who created greeting cards, which were delivered to residents at The Reserve at Georgetown, and were richly received. She soon developed and introduced what has become one of her most popular activities, Planting Smiles. “This one is so important,” she explains, “because engagement is at its core. We provide our new friends with a terra cotta pot, paint, and seeds, which grow into a plant that is dependent upon them. These combined activities foster creativity and social interaction, give worth to the work, and by connection, the worker. People pull energy from their heart and soul to nurture something, and it gives them purpose.”
Laura is already working on local fundraising events and applying for grants on her journey to reach every person in a group setting. “We are working with home health agencies and faith communities to reach out, even if it’s just connecting penpals, who are both staying safe, across the county.”
She is actively seeking new places where her volunteers can make friends and plant smiles, or maybe donate a popcorn machine to enjoy the delight on residents’ faces when they get a taste of nostalgia. She welcomes suggestions and requests at WiseOwlsInitiative.org.
HOW TO HELP
Wise Owls has a Giving Tuesday campaign available on Facebook, and an Amazon wish list to contribute to the group activities, and all sponsors get a mention in their social media. Laura adds, “We love and appreciate financial donations, but we also hope the community will donate activity supplies as well.”
To donate time, contact Mike Caudle at the Williamson County Health District (512-943-3665) and mention Wise Owls. Volunteers need no special training, just the desire to help some new friends.