The Freedom District Lions Club (FDLC) regularly assesses the need for and effectiveness of the service projects they carry out to ensure they are meeting a need and doing service projects that are of interest to the members. They also add projects when a need is identified and it is something of interest to enough of the members to successfully undertake it. A few months ago, several members decided they would like to bring joy to residents in nursing homes , assisted living facilities and like establishments for seniors and/or others facing health issues that preclude living in a family-home environment. The service club approved adding another committee to plan and execute what they call Operation Joy. The mission of this committee is to visit assisted living/nursing home facilities to help residents living there discover a new joy in life by giving them purpose, freedom of expression and dignity in a safe, secure and fun atmosphere. Members of the FDLC are currently visiting Inspirations Memory Care of Westminster on a regular basis where they conduct such activities as Karaoke with residents singing, dancing and moving to the music as they are capable. Initially, the Lions visited once a month but they have been asked to come weekly, if possible. 

If there is interest, the FDLC would like to expand this service project to other facilities. Operators of assisted living/nursing facilities in the southern end of Carroll County that might like Operation Joy visits from the Lions should contact OperationJoy@fdlions.info