Promoting prosperous places to grow up and grow old by fostering care communities and care economies for & by neighbors.
On a recent morning walk, I saw two people folding up moving blankets at the back of an empty U-Haul truck. “Welcome to the neighborhood!” I called from across the street. They looked up and I got the feeling they’d be open to chatting, so I walked over and introduced myself. It’s easier to connect…Continue reading Be welcoming
“Brittany” (a made up name for a real person) flung herself to the floor screaming that she couldn’t take it anymore when a security officer pulled her aside at school for wearing a midriff-bearing shirt. Later in her principal’s office, she disclosed what led to the reaction: She was overwhelmed from taking care of her…Continue reading Did you know America has kid healthcare workers?
My parents didn’t know this when they sent me there, but my first high school in Nairobi (I went to three) was a finishing school of sorts. What? You’re shocked? Haven’t you wondered to what I owe my refined qualities? 😂 But seriously, I picked up both good and not good things while being taught…Continue reading Be inappropriate
In a recent story, I said that I expected to get hired by Naborforce. As a reminder, that’s the company that connects older adults to helpers in their own communities. Think Uber for but for companion care, not rides. So, I submitted a quick application and got a fast response by email. The message contained…Continue reading When transportation stops us from giving or getting care
Ages ago, my boss mentioned that his anniversary was coming up. I wanted to acknowledge the occasion in some way, but wasn’t sure whether convention allowed something like that given that our relationship was professional. So I asked my sister what she thought about the matter. “Mary,” she said, “in my experience, people rarely respond…Continue reading We’re the ones who remake convention
Today, I’ll jump straight into it: According to the 2024 Gentworth and CareScout survey, the cost for “hands-off” and “hands-on” home aides is merging with a median salary of $75k+ and $77K+, respectively. Assuming 53 pay periods per year and a 40-hour week, those salaries = $35-$36 per hour. Hmm, now that I write that…Continue reading The cost of companionship + care resources
2 bedrooms. Check.1.5 baths. Check.Master bath vanity with a generous countertop. Check.Dishwasher. Check.Sunlight and a patch of grass immediately outside my front door. Check. I got these things on my wish list for my new home at a lower cost than I’d imagined possible. This good fortune and more prompted my sister to wonder if…Continue reading What’s on your prosperity wish list?
Greetings from Atlanta! I arrived 5 days ago and am busy looking for a place to live. So today, I’m sharing a few links with you until my long list of tasks shortens and I can get back into the swing of things. Story of terminally ill man taken in by neighbor: A woman gave…Continue reading She took in her neighbor + caregiver resources
The conversation with my neighbor started nicely enough, but I said four little words—”tell me about it”—that made everything go sideways. My comment made her feel as if I was comparing our situations and she took offense at that. I, in turn, felt an upsurge of anger at her offense—I wasn’t comparing our situations as…Continue reading When you don’t feel seen by someone
The doors to leave Alexandria weren’t opening and I was like, “Look, God, if Atlanta isn’t where’s next, show me the right place. Clearly. Thank you.” Thinking about that now, I think about that joke of the guy who kept praying—feeling exasperated—to win the lottery, until God finally said, “Buy a ticket, already!” Only God…Continue reading I’m finally moving back to Atlanta