Julie McAfee, Friends for Life President since 2018, has a heart for seniors that began at the start of her career as a speech-language pathologist. Many of her clients were older adults recovering from strokes, who had previously lived active and full lives.
“They had interesting careers, extended families, varied life experiences, and had witnessed so much growth and change in the world. I still view seniors with this sense of admiration and respect,” says Julie, a Los Altos resident.
“They know so much and have given so much. Volunteering with Friends for Life is a way for me to give a little back.”
Julie feels most fulfilled in her volunteer role when Life’s Garden residents and staff share how much the outreach of the FFL team means to them.
“I want all the residents to know we truly care and we honor them. The positive feedback makes the challenges worth it,” says Julie.
A big challenge was staying connected throughout the COVID-19 epidemic. Instead of onsite social events, FFL provided gift bags and treats for residents every other month: handmade cloth masks, potted succulent plants for Earth Day, home office supplies, ice cream bars, holiday gift bags in December, and lucky two dollar bills in red envelopes for the Lunar New Year.
“I enjoy working alongside the rest of the volunteers to support the residents of Life’s Garden. We are a great team!” says Julie.
As Leadership Team president, Julie hopes that her fellow team members know they are valued.
“We are all volunteers, after all; we don’t have to be serving in this way,” says Julie. “My hope is that each team member will find personal satisfaction and meaning in his or her contribution.”
Julie’s hope is also to attract new volunteers and Leadership Team members to fill the offices of those who move on for personal reasons.
In her down time, Julie, originally from Bakersfield, CA, enjoys traveling, cooking, jigsaw-puzzling, reading and listening to almost all genres of music. Her husband, Adam, and she are big baseball fans.
“We love cheering on our favorite team, the SF Giants,” says Julie, who currently works as a speech-language pathologist in a private pediatric clinic.
She has a degree in music performance and used to play the flute professionally. Now she plays as a hobby. Visit the FFL at LG Facebook page to hear Julie’s music as the accompaniment to certain slide shows: (https://www.facebook.com/FriendsforLifeSunnyvale/videos/136499378460483)