By Christina Araiza, Community Outreach Manager.

Community partnerships are invaluable to the linkAges TimeBank. It is through our partners that we can reach more people, spread our mission, and support our neighbors who need it most. El Camino Hospital is one partner that shares in our goal to support the health and well-being of the local community. Last year, El Camino Hospital, Palo Alto Medical Foundation and linkAges decided to look at innovative ways to support family caregivers and their loved ones. As a result, we launched Meet and Move, a “walk and talk” program for family caregivers.

First, we ran a 3-month pilot to determine how the program would work. Over thirty family caregivers joined from around Silicon Valley. They walked together, shared their caregiving experiences and focused on prioritizing their own health so that they could continue taking care of their loved ones. Many saw an increase in their physical activity and long-lasting friendships were formed.

With this success, we decided to continue partnering and officially launch Meet and Move in October. Participants will join the linkAges TimeBank and connect with each other in a private “Meet and Move” group. Through the TimeBank, Meet and Move participants can schedule walks and group events, chat with each other, help each other out, and share resources.

Thank you El Camino Hospital for your continuous support as a partner!

If you would like more information about Meet and Move, or would like to sign-up for the fall, please contact us at linkagestimebank@gmail.com.