In 2025, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (PYM) was granted funds by Friends Foundation for the Aging to reimagine Quaker Aging Resources (QAR). The intent was to improve the work done 15 years ago in creating the website, while providing greater visibility and use.
An initial key component was the creation of a Quaker Aging Resources Support Group. Members included a PYM intergenerational group: a young Friend from Germantown Friends School, a Young Adult Friends clerk, a clerk of the Care and Concern committee, a clerk who supports aging grant applicants and recipients, a clerk who is a meeting newsletter editor, a meeting member who is a child of aging parents, and leaders of two PYM meeting aging groups.
Through their Quaker knowledge and professional experience, the group reviewed the eight resource section pamphlets. Suggestions were made for pamphlets needing revision, and some were recommended for audio recording. To increase accessibility for Friends and others with disabilities, audio recordings of selected pamphlets are planned.
PYM communications staff redesigned the QAR homepage. Members of the QAR Support Group provided critiques that informed the final design. Refreshed content for the homepage is posted monthly, including book reviews and information about programs shared by other yearly meetings and Quaker aging organizations.
A Quaker editor has been contracted to complete editing on a number of pamphlets. Along with the audio recordings, video interviews are being prepared and shared on QAR with their associated pamphlets. Videos include closed captions.
PYM communications staff are cross-promoting QAR across multiple channels. Through the collaborative work undertaken by Friends and PYM staff, there has already been an increase in use of QAR.
Friends are invited to share this resource with others.
Enjoy our first published video: Quaker Aging Resources | Providing Spirit-Centered Information
This article was prepared by Sheila Sorkin, PYM, Aging Support Coordinator to provide support, resources and engage the aging community of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting as part of the “To Brighten Your Day” series.
