Ms. Patricia: Over the past year and a half that I have been visiting with Ms. Patricia, I have formed a very close relationship with her. Every time we visit she updates me about her family’s life, stories about her granddaughters and care packages she wants to send. I keep her updated on my life; how classes are going, a new job, stories about my travels, friends and family. I feel as though I have become a part of Ms. Patricia’s family, and vice versa. We exchange photographs and mementos from important parts of our lives as we learn about each other. She has even encouraged me to take initiative by reaching out to UF students and spreading the word about FATA so we can continue touching the lives of nursing home residents.

Ms. Phyllis: When I first started volunteering at Park Meadows, Rosha (the Site Coordinator at the time) had an incredibly beautiful relationship with Phyllis. I was fortunate to become a part of that relationship and continue it once Rosha moved away. Phyllis is a strong woman that despite many hardships always manages to have a smile on her face and tells us to “be a good girl” with a wink every week. She goes through phases of hobbies at Park Meadows, from word searches, coloring books, Sudoku and bracelet making. I always look forward to seeing which hobby she is on and how I can help her finish her current project.