THE FOLLOWING IS A U OF I EXTENSION RELEASE
CHAMPAIGN, Ill – Feeling lonely or isolated? You’re not alone. Studies show that more than 20% of adults in the United States experience these feelings. Research increasingly highlights the negative impact of social isolation and loneliness, particularly on the quality of life for older adults.
University of Illinois Extension Family Life, in partnership with CRIS Healthy Aging, is offering a free program, “Don’t Go It Alone: Improving Your Social Connections,” to help individuals address these challenges. The workshop will dive into social isolation and explore strategies for staying connected with others. Plus, participants will learn about resources available through CRIS Healthy Aging of Vermilion and Champaign County.
“Libraries are enormously valuable for building social connections,” says University of Illinois Extension Educator Emily Harmon. “This program equips participants with tools to forge meaningful relationships. CRIS Healthy Aging, a vital resource for our rural communities, will be on hand at each session to provide additional support for resources for their reducing social isolation program.”
Workshop Dates and Locations:
- Thursday, May 23rd, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Hoopeston Public Library
- Wednesday, June 5th, 11:00 AM – Noon: Rantoul Public Library
- Thursday, June 6th, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: St. Joseph Township – Swearingen Memorial Library
(Two Sessions) Thursday, June 20th, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: St. Joseph Township – Swearingen Memorial Library - Wednesday, June 26th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Oakwood Public Library
- Wednesday, July 24th, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Catlin Public Library
The program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To find out more information or to get registered, visit go.illinois.edu/DontGoItAlone or call the office at 217-333-7672.
About Extension: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
About CRIS: CRIS Healthy Aging is a non-profit organization serving Champaign and Vermilion counties whose mission is to keep older adults safe, healthy, and independent in their own homes for as long as possible.
Source: Emily Harmon, Family Consumer Sciences Educator, ebaine@illinois.edu
