Mercy Care’s mission is to enhance in every dimension the fullness of life of Elders living in our community. Lexi Bevilacqua, Mercy Care’s Program Director remarked, “The Holiday Workshop at Raquette River Brewing has become a favorite tradition among our Volunteers and Elder Friends, and for good reason – the space is beautiful, the staff is amazing and we get to enjoy each other’s company, tap into our creativity and spread some holiday cheer”.

Social engagement events provide an opportunity to connect with each other and the community. These connections help to ease the isolation and loneliness many people experience. The impact of these events is best illustrated in a quote from a Mercy Care Elder Friend after the Holiday Workshop who said “It is wonderful to feel a part of something”.

Mercy Care is experiencing many new requests from elders in our community who need friends and informal supports to help them age in place more successfully. Mercy Care serves any older adult in need within our capacity.

Mercy Care receives requests for a Friendship Volunteer from elders themselves, their families, or friends, to help them with informal social supports and ease their isolation and loneliness.

Mercy Care’s next Friendship Volunteer Training will be held January 15th in Tupper Lake, NY. Mercy Care invites anyone in the Tri-Lakes region and surrounding communities who is interested in becoming a Mercy Care Friendship Volunteer to take the training. To register, please visit Mercy Care’s website at www.adkmercy.org or contact Lexi Bevilacqua, Mercy Care’s Program Director, at abevilacqua@adkmercy.org or call Lexi for more information at 518-523-5446.

Mercy Care for the Adirondacks is governed by a local board of directors and relies solely on grants and charitable gifts from individuals, businesses, and foundations for its support. Mercy Care’s services are provided free of charge to those we assist. Board members include: Melissa Eisinger, President, Catherine I. Johnston, Vice President; Ann Cantwell Telfer; Denis Chagnon, MD; Tom Connors; Stefanie Holderied; Sr. Eileen McDonnell, RSM; Kathryn Reiss; Eli Schwartzberg; Shawn Stuart; Kathleen Trainor; Rev. John R. Yonkovig.

Mercy Care can be reached at 185 Old Military Road, Lake Placid, NY 12946, by calling Donna Beal, Executive Director, at 518-523-5581, or by e-mail at dbeal@adkmercy.org For more information, visit Mercy Care’s web site at http://www.adkmercy.org