A concept... a "movement" whose time has come!
iCare Circles
Our Community
iCare Circles function independently as individual Circles of Friends... each as a unique creation. These Circles are not intended to comprise an organization. With no rigidly defined structure, they are an intertwining of personal connections. We believe relationship is universal to the human heart - without gender, race, status, and age limitations or restrictions.
Abolish loneliness one connection at a time!!
Our Experience
We hope to encourage you and others to initiate your own iCare Circles. To facilitate that endeavor we will share tips, knowledge and ideas gained from our experience as an iCare Circle. Links are also provided to resources that you might find helpful as you launch your Circle of Friends.
The resource articles, webpages, and videos are offered exclusively for the purpose of sharing their informational content. With regard to viewpoints expressed, we do NOT endorse the individuals or organizations included in the resource list.
Tips for initiating your own iCare Circles
Determine Parameters
Consider the following:
- Participants to be invited... How many? (We suggest no more than 10; ideally 4-8 friends.) Re-unite prior relationships, establish new friendships or a balanced mix? Agree on list of potential participants. Decide who will make contacts to invite the attendees.
- One or more Circles? You can start and/or participate in multiple iCare Circles if you have the time available and are so inclined to commit to establishing and nurturing additional relationships.
- Frequency of connections...daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, random or special events? Duration of gatherings - 30-40 minutes, 1 hour, 1-1/2 hours, 2 hours, etc.? Will gatherings continue indefinitely or will there be a pre-set number such as 12 sessions or a quarterly, semester, semi-annual or annual time-frame?
- Venue for connections...Zoom (online video and audio capabilities), conference phone calls, interactive letters/cards, and of course, "in-person" IF friends are local. Any or all of these means of connection could be used. Be creative!
Administrative Tasks
You will need one or more individuals in the Circle who will be responsible for handling logistics. Someone will need to invite and inform all the participants of the pertinent details - "what, when, and where" of each connection. If using Zoom or a Conference Calling service, the host (ideally at least a somewhat techie person) will need to set up and launch each session. If you don't happen to have a tech-savvy individual available, but still want to use Zoom or Conference Calling service, you can access instructional videos and articles to learn how to operate the services.
Suggestion - The host and/or facilitator can be two (or more) individuals; however, if necessary, the same person can fulfill both functions. The host is primarily responsible for facilitating the gathering, not being "in charge". To encourage active participation of each and every Circle friend, we recommend there not be a designated leader in the usual sense advising "who, what and when". Rather, a host or facilitator makes behind-the-scenes preparations and sets the tone for each connection gathering.
For those Circles meeting "in-person", advance arrangements will be needed to secure a venue such as home, facility, restaurant, park, etc.
Inspiring Events
Attend inspiring events and gatherings that will motivate and energize you. Meet inspiring people and create meaningful connections.
Healthy Lifestyle
Embrace a healthy lifestyle by taking part in fitness and wellness activities. Improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
Creative Expression
Express yourself through art, music, and other forms of creative expression. Discover your unique voice and showcase your talent.
Welcome to iCare Circles Resources
Feeling Lonely and Isolated?
Loneliness and isolation can leave you feeling empty and without hope. This video will help you find hope through the loving God who created you. He understands and wants to connect with YOU!
Loneliness may be the worst thing for the health of older adults.
Researchers from the Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine found that loneliness, which has emerged as a major biopsychosocial stressor, is worse for older people than alcoholism, obesity, and smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.
One particularly effective intervention highlighted by researchers is the Circle of Friends concept.
This three-month, group-based psychosocial rehabilitation model focuses on enhancing interaction and friendships among participants. It has demonstrated success in not only reducing feelings of loneliness but also in improving various health outcomes, such as subjective health, cognition, and mortality, while potentially lowering healthcare costs.
Fact Sheet: Loneliness and Older Adults
Loneliness is an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation. Loneliness is also described as social pain – a psychological mechanism which motivates individuals to seek social connections. It is often associated with a perceived lack of connection and intimacy.
Feeling lonely doesn’t just mean you feel alone. You can be with many people but still feel like you are not really connected to them. Just like there are many types of love, there are also different types of loneliness. Knowing the different types can help you address them effectively.
Why Loneliness Affects Young People More Often Than Older Adults
A growing body of research shows that young people are more likely to feel lonely than older adults. A number of factors may be at play. “You don’t have to be alone to be lonely,” says primary care physician Dr. Michelle Blain. “It can happen if you can’t foster a sense of engagement and belonging or don’t feel accepted and respected by people you engage with.”
“Humans are very social, and adolescents in particular,” says pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist Dr. Michelle Escovedo. “Having peer relationships is innately a very important part of their development.”
The Epidemic of Loneliness
The crisis of loneliness poses as grave a threat to public health as obesity or substance abuse. It cuts across generations and reaches around the world. "To connect to others is a biological need. It ties back to the idea that to be part of a group is adaptive to survival."
Millions of people live with sparse human contact and research tells us that lonely people are more likely to become ill, experience cognitive decline, and die early. Being socially connected, on the other hand — as reflected by the size of our social networks, the extent to which we are involved with others, the quality of our relationships, and our perception that support is available when we need it — are all associated with longevity.
Combatting Loneliness with Cards
Loneliness is a growing problem in today’s society, with more and more people feeling isolated and disconnected from others. However, there are simple ways to combat this feeling, and one of them is receiving cards.
Cards, whether they be birthday cards, holiday cards, or just a simple “thinking of you” card, can make a big difference in your day. They remind you that someone cares about you. Even a small gesture can have a big impact on someone’s mood and overall well-being.
Everyone deserves a Bright Spot!
Discover the iCare Circles Movement!
At iCare Circles, we believe that learning and growth should be accessible to everyone. That's why we've created a welcoming community of passionate individuals who are eager to share their knowledge and experiences. Join us today and become a part of something bigger!