LBFE Highlight of the Week: Billy Pitman

LBFE Highlight of the Week: Billy Pitman

Posted on Jun. 26, 2018

 

Billy Pitman, Board Member

At Little Brothers- Friends of the Elderly, we have a Highlight of the Week series where we shine a spotlight on members of the LBFE community including board members, older adults, volunteers, students, staff, CitySites (and more!) to learn about them and their experiences with LBFE. This week’s highlight is of one of our board members, Billy Pitman.

Please tell us a little about yourself- what background/professional experience do you have?

Originally from North Carolina, I have lived and/or worked in 5 different states (including 3 of the 4 Commonwealths) in politics and media relations for various firms, candidates and elected officials. It’s been a great opportunity to see different parts of the country and gain experience across a variety of issues. Since moving to Boston I’ve become an avid runner and ran the Boston Marathon last year — the nor’easters and feet of snow are still a struggle though.

What attracted you to LBFE? 

Growing up, I generally had stronger relationships with the ‘older’ adults around me who were always the nicest and had the best stories and advice. I was looking for some way to give back and volunteer my time and LBFE was a perfect fit — I’ve volunteered the past two years at Thanksgiving, Friendship & Flowers and City Sites, in addition to serving on the Board.

What are 3 words you would use to describe LBFE’s program/mission and why?

Building meaningful relationships with and gaining valuable wisdom from ‘older’ adults who have an abundance to share.

A lasting impact for the elders who may lack regular companions and interaction, and for us younger volunteers as we grow older ourselves.
Awareness of not taking for granted the value of family, friends and companionship — and the effects a lack those can have on our health generally, especially as we age.

If you were given 30 seconds to share why intergenerational programs are valuable, what would you say?

There’s a lot to be learned from ‘older’ adults and a lot of valuable experiences and advice they are willing to share if you just ask. I like to think we have a lot to give back, even if it’s only listening, absorbing and learning from their experiences for when we all face similar situations and can handle them better as we grow older ourselves — Little Brothers provides a great opportunity to do both.

Who had the most influence on you growing up and what made them so important in your life? 

I don’t know about ‘the most’, but the ‘older’ adults in my church community certainly had among the most significant impacts. I’d see and interact with many of them, and a lot of them, at least once or twice a week — sometimes more often than my grandparents who lived farther away or weren’t in the city that often. And they were always willing to check in, chat, show interest in what I was up to, and share stories, advice or similar experiences.

Remember to check out next week’s blog to see who will be highlighted then!

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