Entertainment Only? No, Our Seniors Need Purpose

When I first met Joanne Hickox, I was more than intrigued by her vision. It is a big vision — one that may change the course of modern history.

When we think of our elders, it has become common place to look for signs it is time to move them into the continuum of residential care. This often begins with an independent living apartment and ends with a semi-private room in a skilled nursing facility.

For many individuals, the safety and security of fostered aging reduces the natural vitality of life. We were created to be of service, not to exclusively rely on services.

Joanne, who spent 15 years working in a Hollywood, learned seniors don't always appreciate entertainment as a filler for connection. They would rather use their well-earned wisdom and continue learning into their last years.

What would happen if we stopped considering aging as merely fading away and saw it as a call to step into your most significant season of service?

That is exactly the vision and mission of a G3 Village! Over the past few decades, Joanne has worked with seniors and proved that seniors aren't the needy, they are the needed!

G3 Village envisions an alternative model of aging that brings older adults into a purposeful, intergenerational community rather than isolating them within a traditional retirement continuum. Residents live independently in modest apartments or cottages while contributing ten hours of service each week to the life of the village. Built around a working regenerative farm, the community includes opportunities for growing food, caring for animals, educating visiting children, serving the public, and supporting pastors and missionaries seeking rest. Through shared meals, meaningful work, public outreach, and a commitment to continued contribution, the village seeks to create a faithful place where older adults are not simply cared for, but remain active participants in the life of a larger community.

Another incredible component of G3 living is that it will be affordable, catering to modest and middle income older adults. I asked Joanne what the most important "next step" is for her to help move this vision along. Her answer: Share the story!

I hope you will listen to the conversation we recorded last week. She has written a wonderful book detailing her story and what led her to listen to what God is calling her to pray for and prepare as He opens the way.

The Death & Resurrection Doula Podcast brings together conversations concerning Christian theology, spiritual formation, end-of-life care, and resurrection hope — exploring how the Body of Christ can recover meaningful practices of Christian hospitality.

Listen Now!

Grow in Fellowship

The International Fellowship Café is a worldwide table where Christians gather around the Word of God to discover how the resurrection of Jesus transforms every conversation about life, death, and the hope of a New Heaven and Earth. Join us online through weekly and monthly offerings.

Together, may we live out this call to Christian fellowship: "When I needed hope, someone invited me to the table."

Are you or someone you know caregiving to someone who is aging or dying? We're opening a caregiver café! Check our listings.

Schedule

Professional & Volunteer Training

Training is the heart of our community and increasing the number of Volunteer and Professional Death & Resurrection Doulas is vital if we are to make a difference in the field of end-of-life care.

Professional (Certification)

Join our virtual training event Oct. 9 & 10, plus:

Engage in weekly doula collaboration opportunities + The Death & Resurrection Doula Support Group
Self-paced course work & discussion boards
$1660 | payment plans & scholarships are available

Volunteer (Abridged)

Self-paced course work & Discussion Boards
Receive a letter of ministry recommendation upon completion
$250

Volunteer + live training support

Join our virtual training event Oct. 9 & 10, plus:

Monthly engagement through The Death & Resurrection Doula Support Group (1-year)
$500 | payment plans & scholarships are available

If you are considering training, you may wish to download our training discernment guide!

Explore Training

See Our Other Resources...

It is important to give -- and receive!! We have several scholarships available for new enrollments in the Professional & Volunteer Training Programs.

If you are interested, please submit our scholarship application.

One of our graduates—who called the program "life-changing"—has pledged to match the first $10,000 donated to the fund, dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of every gift.

To date, our gracious donor has matched $3250! If you feel led to help us build our scholarship fund, see our campaign page.

Spread the Hope

Death in the Body, Life in Christ...

"Care at the end of life is not limited to professional vocations such as physicians, funeral directors, or clergy. Some of the most important physical, emotional, and spiritual end-of-life care is offered through the presence, words, and touch of ordinary believers who bear witness to the hope of the gospel at the threshold of death."

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"Laurel, your guidebook is so helpful, practical and pastoral. It really is a wonderfully caring resource."

~ Kevin Wirt, Pastor & Chaplain for Medi Home Hospice

DOWNLOAD