On August 22, 2024 (Thursday), the team held a community field visit and planning discussion meeting at the Yonghe District Minquan Community Development Association with Executive Director Mr. Qiu, and also discussed matters related to the Community Golden Award. The following is a summary of the meeting: Director Min-Da opened the session by emotionally introducing Teacher Yu-Min Lin, who has greatly impacted the community and individuals, as part of the introduction. Executive Director Xiu-Lan continued by sharing more details about Teacher Lin’s contributions in the community. Teacher Lin Yu-Min, the volunteer team leader, is now 89 years old, but her energy and enthusiasm remain as vibrant as ever. This elderly volunteer leader has made remarkable contributions to the "Loneliness Prescription" program, and has continuously innovated in the care services for elderly individuals living alone, bringing significant positive impact to the community. With her rich life experience and deep social concern, Teacher Lin leads volunteer partners to provide both practical care and emotional support for elderly people living alone in the community. As part of the "Loneliness Prescription" program, Teacher Lin encourages elderly residents to participate in social activities to reduce loneliness, improve mental health, and strengthen community ties. These activities not only provide rich social opportunities for seniors living alone but also enhance the community’s cohesion. Teacher Lin’s efforts and innovative thinking have significantly transformed the approach to services for elderly residents, such as changing the traditional model where elderly people are encouraged to visit community centers. Instead, Teacher Lin leads a team of volunteers to bring happiness and activities directly to the homes of isolated seniors, turning their living rooms into a "community hub," enabling them to make local friends even at home. Teacher Lin’s contributions extend beyond direct service. She is also actively involved in the professional training of volunteers, ensuring that each volunteer acquires the necessary skills to provide high-quality service. Teacher Lin regularly participates in training courses and engages in regular sharing sessions to discuss how volunteers can communicate effectively, identify the needs of elderly individuals, and offer appropriate support. These exchanges not only improve the volunteers’ service capabilities but also foster unity and cooperation among them, creating a strong support network. Teacher Lin emphasizes that the growth and development of volunteers are crucial to the success of the entire program, and she works tirelessly to learn and grow with them. Within the community, residents of Minquan Community praise Teacher Lin, with many elderly individuals expressing that her care and the efforts of the volunteers have made them feel the warmth of home, alleviating their feelings of loneliness. The residents believe that it is Teacher Lin’s selfless dedication and innovative spirit that have made the service for elderly people living alone in the community so successful and continuously improving. Due to Teacher Lin’s dedication, the Minquan Community care center has not only become a model for other communities but also set a positive example nationwide. Teacher Lin has proven that age is no barrier, and that anyone with a heart can make a positive impact on society. Being nominated for the Annual Community Golden Award is a full recognition of Teacher Lin and her volunteer team’s many years of hard work and provides direction for the community’s future development. Looking ahead, Teacher Lin stated that she will continue to focus on enhancing the quality of volunteer services and expanding the coverage of services. She hopes to attract more young people to join the volunteer team, providing more support and care for elderly people living alone in the community. She believes that through continuous learning and innovation, the community care centers will achieve even greater success in the future. The nomination for the Annual Community Golden Award is undoubtedly an important milestone for the entire Minquan Community, and it inspires more people to focus on and participate in community service, transforming the community into a loving and caring family.

Implemented by Center for Teaching and Learning Development
Date: 2024/08/22