News & Impact

Laura Filshtein, Volunteer with JFCS’ Friendly Visitors Program:

When I first learned about JFCS’ Friendly Visitors program, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. I was matched with Lydia, a resident of the assisted living community at Rhoda Goldman Plaza, and it didn’t take long for our time together to become one of the highlights of my week. 

Lydia is 104 years old. She stays mostly in her room, so our weekly visits are a chance for her to have some company—and for us to share a few laughs over cards. She loves bridge, but since you need four people to play, I introduced her to crazy eights instead. It’s a game I loved as a kid, and now it’s become our thing. She’s actually quite good. She beats me all the time! 

I’ve gotten to know Lydia as someone who’s sharp, kind, and quietly funny. There was one time she didn’t have the heart to play a card game and said, “The only heart I have is the one in here,” pointing to her chest. We both burst out laughing. 

Lydia also has an incredible history. She was a Doctor of Internal Medicine for sixty years—one of only five women in her graduating class. It’s hard to wrap my head around how rare that was for someone born in 1921. Sitting across from her, I’m reminded that there’s so much life, strength, and wisdom in the people we too often overlook. 

I started volunteering because I know what it’s like to feel alone. Years ago, when I first moved to New York in my twenties, I thought I’d be surrounded by people—but it was one of the loneliest times in my life. Later, when my dad was sick, I saw how hard it was for him when he was by himself, even though we visited as much as we could. That feeling stayed with me. It’s why I wanted to show up for someone else. 

Lydia has become part of my life. Our time together is more than volunteering—it’s friendship and connection. And through this connection, I’ve seen how powerful it is for older adults to feel seen, heard, and valued. Companionship at this stage of life is not just nice to have—it’s vital. It brings dignity, joy, and continuity to the people in our community who need it most. 

Volunteering with JFCS has reminded me that making an impact doesn’t require a lot of you. Sometimes it’s just showing up, week after week, with a deck of cards and an open heart.