We are a guide and resource to reduce elder isolation
We are a new volunteer initiative based in NYC and working nationwide. Together, we aspire to catalyze a movement of millions who weave close bonds between elders and broader society.
Our Team
Karen Nemeth
Specializing in strategic planning, program development and operational reviews for non-profits in the long term care field, Karen has dedicated her 40 year career to helping advance the well-being of elders and disabled individuals. She has guided a range of organizations including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living centers, hospice, home health and community-based groups to delivering innovative and high quality care.
Alongside consulting, Karen taught masters level courses at Boston University School of Public Health. Karen also brings her professional and leadership skills to volunteer endeavors. She helped launch and grow Jericho Road Lawrence, Inc (now Community InRoads), an award winning non-profit which provides free consulting services to charitable groups in the low-income city of Lawrence, MA. As a long term Director and Chair of the Board of Directors of Nevins Family of Services, she oversaw leadership change and financial restructuring for this multi-service senior care provider in MA. She also advises the Smithsonian Institute in protecting migratory bird habitats.
Karen holds a Doctor of Science in Public Health from Harvard University, a Masters in Public Health from Boston University; and a Nursing Degree from the University of Pennsylvania. When not working, Karen can be found muddy in the garden, cooking in the kitchen or hiking up a far off mountain.
Katryn Bowe
Katryn has a broad background with innovative organizations in the environment and health sectors. She co-founded the tech startup Rabble in 2015, which enabled people to invest in projects that improve the environment or marginalized communities. She also worked at a Mexican investment advisory firm, a trade association of private equity investors, and the World Bank, helping identify trends and attract more interest in investments that strengthen the environment and low-income communities.
Currently Katryn has a small consulting practice for early-stage initiatives with a social or environmental commitment. She has enjoyed the diverse projects, from shaping a feature film on climate change, editing a Ted Talk and a textbook on water policy, advising a financial literacy project, and assessing the economic impact of a wildlife conservation program. She splits her time between this endeavor and watercolor painting. Her art can be seen at art fairs from Los Angeles to London and at @katrynspaintings.
She began her career with water and health issues in low-income countries; she conducted research, published articles, and facilitated public - private collaboration while at a Washington think-tank, an advocacy organization, and the United Nations.
Katryn received a Masters in Development Economics from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania.
Fueling a movement
There are millions of people who “weave” relationships into their community. They make the social fabric stronger. Along the way, they find a deep joy and connection. Others yearn to weave such bonds, and do not know quite where to start.
Our model is distinct from other initiatives around elder isolation. The concept of weaving a tight fabric, where no elder can fall, guides our mission. Our partnership model maximizes impact by supporting these “weavers”.
Rather than administering our model directly, our collaborations with local partners will exponentially decrease people living in isolation. We are not geographically constrained and can support partners throughout the US and beyond.
Our Inspiration
Old Friends honor the legacy of Fred Nemeth and his friends, who gave Fred fun, support, and dignity in his final decade. Fred’s friends enabled him to live at home – and live longer – than if he faced the isolation that so many his age endure. His companionship, in turn, enriched their lives greatly.
Fred’s commitment to community inspires us. He was a natural connector and helper. He would cook, visit, and laugh with people who were alone or struggling. Fred volunteered for decades as an EMT. He made lives better and he delighted in doing so.
Contact us.
kb@katrynbowe.com
Brooklyn, NY
If you want to weave stronger communities through ending elder isolation, we can help. Please get in touch to learn more. Together, we can end elder isolation in our communities – and have a great time along the way.