First Lady Casey DeSantis launches new initiative connecting Florida faith communities with nursing homes to ensure seniors receive companionship and support
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis has announced a new statewide initiative designed to strengthen connections between faith communities and nursing homes, giving more seniors opportunities for companionship, conversation, and meaningful relationships.
The program, launched through Hope Florida’s CarePortal, will create a pathway for nursing homes and assisted living communities to partner with local churches and faith organizations. The goal is to make it easier for congregations to respond to opportunities to serve seniors in their own communities and ensure that older Floridians feel remembered, valued, and supported.
The initiative is built around a simple message that every senior deserves to know they are loved and that their life continues to have meaning. Officials say the program recognizes the importance of human connection, especially for older adults who may experience loneliness or fewer opportunities for regular visits.
“Every senior deserves to know they matter and are loved,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “Every life is filled with a lifetime of wisdom, experiences, and stories that have helped shape families and communities across our state. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give is simply our presence—taking the time to listen, to remind someone that they matter. No one should ever feel forgotten, and no one should have to walk through life’s final chapters without knowing there are people who care.”
Hope Florida was created with the idea that government can help connect people who want to serve with individuals and families who need support. Since its creation, the initiative has helped thousands of Floridians access assistance by bringing together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and faith communities.
Through this new effort, that same approach will be extended to seniors living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout Florida.
Many older adults living in long-term care communities continue to receive visits from family members and friends. However, some residents have fewer opportunities for regular interaction because loved ones may live far away, have busy schedules, or are no longer able to visit.
State officials say that regardless of a person’s circumstances, every senior benefits from having relationships that provide encouragement, conversation, and reassurance that they are not alone.
Through Hope Florida’s CarePortal, participating nursing homes and assisted living communities will be able to share specific opportunities where local churches and faith organizations can help. These requests may involve simple acts of kindness that can have a meaningful impact on a resident’s daily life.
Examples include delivering flowers, celebrating birthdays, reading together, playing games such as cards, sharing a meal, or simply spending time with someone who wants conversation and companionship.
The initiative will initially launch in three Florida regions — Leon County, Hillsborough County, and Miami-Dade County — before expanding statewide. Organizers hope the program will create lasting partnerships between faith communities and long-term care facilities across Florida.
Florida has one of the largest networks of faith-based organizations in the country, with approximately 16.5 million people of faith and more than 20,000 churches and faith institutions. Leaders behind the initiative believe this existing network represents a significant opportunity to provide support and companionship to seniors who helped build their communities.
By using Hope Florida’s CarePortal, churches will have a more direct way to discover opportunities to serve nearby seniors and respond to needs in their own communities.
“Every senior has a lifetime of wisdom and experiences worth sharing. Taking the time to listen is more than an act of kindness,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “It honors a life well lived and reminds us that meaningful human connection enriches everyone involved.”
The Agency for Health Care Administration also praised the initiative, saying it reflects efforts to improve the quality of life for seniors and vulnerable Floridians.
“This is another shining example of this administration’s commitment to ensuring Floridians—especially seniors and vulnerable individuals—are supported in ways that improve quality of life and overall well-being,” said Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris. “We are so grateful for the leadership of First Lady Casey DeSantis in spearheading this effort that will support partnership among long-term care facilities and faith institutions in meeting residents’ needs.
Officials with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs also highlighted the importance of reducing isolation among older adults and building stronger community connections.
“The greatest gift we can offer one another is connection. Every day, our Hope Navigators help older Floridians discover they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Through this expansion of CarePortal, we’re building bridges between compassionate Floridians and seniors who simply need someone to spend some time alongside them,” said Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham. “Together, we’re creating communities where every older adult knows they are valued, supported, and never forgotten. I am so grateful for Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis for their continued leadership and commitment to strengthening support for Florida’s seniors.”
To highlight the impact of personal connection, First Lady Casey DeSantis and Madison DeSantis recently visited residents at Chatsworth assisted living community at PGA National. During the visit, they delivered flowers, spent time speaking with residents, and listened to stories about their lives and experiences.
The visit demonstrated how small gestures can create meaningful moments for seniors. Officials say a conversation, a visit, or a simple act of kindness can provide encouragement and remind residents that their stories still matter.
Through this new initiative, Florida leaders hope to create more opportunities for seniors to remain connected to their communities and ensure that older adults across the state continue to feel valued, respected, and never forgotten.
