TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A conversation, a bouquet of flowers, a shared meal, or simply sitting and listening can make a world of difference to someone who feels alone.
With that belief at its heart, First Lady Casey DeSantis has launched a new Hope Florida initiative designed to connect local churches with nursing homes and assisted living communities, creating meaningful relationships that remind Florida’s seniors they are valued, remembered, and never alone.
Announced on July 9, the initiative will utilize Hope Florida’s CarePortal to help long-term care facilities share volunteer opportunities with nearby congregations, making it easier for faith communities to offer companionship and support to residents.
“Every senior deserves to know they matter and are loved,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “Every life is filled with a lifetime of wisdom, experiences, and stories that have helped shape families and communities across our state. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is simply our presence—taking the time to listen, to remind someone that they matter. No one should ever feel forgotten, and no one should have to walk through life’s final chapters without knowing there are people who care.”
The initiative builds upon Hope Florida’s mission of connecting people in need with neighbors willing to help through partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, and faith-based organizations. While Hope Florida has already helped thousands of Floridians access resources and support, this latest effort focuses specifically on enriching the lives of older adults through personal connection.
For many seniors living in nursing homes and assisted living communities, visits from family members are a treasured part of life. Others, however, may have loved ones who live far away, have demanding schedules, or are no longer living. Even those who receive regular visitors can benefit from new friendships and the reassurance that their community cares.
Through CarePortal, participating facilities will be able to post simple volunteer opportunities for local churches. Requests may include delivering flowers, celebrating birthdays, reading books together, playing cards, sharing meals, or spending time in conversation with residents who simply want someone to talk with.
The pilot program will begin in Leon, Hillsborough, and Miami-Dade counties before expanding statewide. Officials hope the initiative will create lasting partnerships between Florida’s more than 20,000 churches and faith institutions and nursing homes and assisted living communities across the state.
With approximately 16.5 million Floridians identifying with a faith community, organizers believe the state’s churches represent one of the nation’s largest networks of potential volunteers.
“Every senior has a lifetime of wisdom and experiences worth sharing. Taking the time to listen is more than an act of kindness,” Casey DeSantis said. “It honors a life well lived and reminds us that meaningful human connection enriches everyone involved.”
Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris praised the initiative as another example of Florida’s commitment to improving the quality of life for seniors.
“This is another shining example of this administration’s commitment to ensuring Floridians—especially seniors and vulnerable individuals—are supported in ways that improve quality of life and overall well-being,” Harris said. “We are so grateful for the leadership of First Lady Casey DeSantis in spearheading this effort that will support partnership among long-term care facilities and faith institutions in meeting residents’ needs.”
Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham said the program reflects the power of simple human connection.
“The greatest gift we can offer one another is connection,” Branham said. “Every day, our Hope Navigators help older Floridians discover they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Through this expansion of CarePortal, we’re building bridges between compassionate Floridians and seniors who simply need someone to spend some time alongside them. Together, we’re creating communities where every older adult knows they are valued, supported, and never forgotten.”
