“We are excited to continue our long partnership with The Best Day of My Life So Far. Even during this difficult period of COVID, we can now invite our members to “come together” and share their stories in this wonderful community of caring and supportive new friends.”
– Joe Duffy
CEO
NewCourtland Senior Services
“Collaborating with Best Day of My Life So Far is one way that NewCourtland is working to enhance the quality of life for two vulnerable populations.“
– Mary Ellen Bolden
Director of Community Services
NewCourtland Senior Services
Featured 2020 Partnership
With NewCourtland Senior Services
We have all taken a hit in 2020 socially, emotionally and mentally. Now, imagine you were homeless. Isolation – and the full spiral of mental and emotional health effects that comes with it – has become a large-scale crisis for our most vulnerable populations and demands an urgent and effective response.
NewCourtland and The Best Day of My Life So Far are pleased to announce a multi-month and multi-site partnership that weaves together staff training seminars and community storytelling activities presented through integrated virtual and in-person formats. Our shared purpose is to reduce isolation and create a sense of community for previously homeless individuals, including a large population of Veterans and United Healthcare members, in Greater Philadelphia. This partnership is a key piece of a larger puzzle which provides integrated housing and services for the previously homeless, as featured by The Philadelphia Inquirer in February, right before the pandemic began.
Founded in 2009 in Philadelphia, field tested in diverse neighborhoods nationwide, and evaluated by international researchers, Best Day’s research-backed, award-winning storytelling programming deliver 6 key benefits: Social Engagement, Technological Engagement, Intergenerational Engagement, Cognitive Activity, Reminiscence Activity and Emotional Expression. Participants’ lives will be transformed individually, and they will connect deeply as a community. 2020 has brought its share of bad news. The good news is we have been working to fight isolation and connect generations since 2009 and we are uniquely equipped and prepared to travel this new terrain. With new challenges come a heightened sense of resilience and innovation, and a refreshed commitment to our mission.
Founded in 1990, with sites in North, Northeast and Northwest Philadelphia, NewCourtland is removing the barriers that prevent homeless individuals from accessing proper housing and services. NewCourtland believes that that these barriers restrict access and eligibility to housing with services and that they can facilitate restoring dignity and speed reintegration into the community by harnessing a client’s desire to remain in stable housing. Through a carefully executed and evaluated plan for service delivery, NewCourtland can maximize the ability of a resident to evolve into a contributing member of the community and live as independently as possible.
NewCourtland’s commitment is to go to where the need is and serve the most vulnerable populations. This is truly demonstrated in its ability to partner with other community organizations, such as Best Day, that have that same commitment and dedication to improve the lives of others, especially during this time of fear and social isolation.