LITA (Love Is The Answer)

LITA (Love is the Answer) grew out of the desire to bring happiness, friendship and meaning into the lives of lonely and isolated older adults living in long-term care facilities in Marin County. Marin resident Mae Wygant founded LITA in 1975 after volunteering and seeing firsthand the deep loneliness, isolation, and strong sense of loss many residents experienced. In the early years, LITA was coordinated out of Mae’s kitchen  -- in fact, some of LITA’s earliest volunteers were Mae’s friends, and this simple yet caring act of kindness gave birth to LITA.

What makes LITA unique is the commitment to building ongoing relationships—not just one-time events. These meaningful connections provide measurable mental and physical health benefits for both clients and volunteers.

LITA volunteers offer one hour a week, with a 6-month minimum commitment. These dedicated volunteers bring personal friendships, may bring their friendly dog, or even play music. With every visit and through every volunteer interaction, LITA strives to  bring the warmth and vitality of the Marin community directly to residents so that they feel seen, heard and cared about. 

Today, LITA has a variety of programs that address loneliness and provide social connection for older adults living in Marin. LITA's programs include:

• One-to-One Connections – Volunteers are matched with residents in skilled nursing or assisted living facilities for weekly in-person visits, often forming friendships that last for years.
• Caring Connections – Homebound older adults receive regular visits or phone calls from volunteers with shared interests—often their only social contact beyond caregivers.
• Bridging Thru Arts – Volunteer artists offer live performances and programs in long-term care communities, promoting engagement.
• Family Connections – Families befriend older adults and visit regularly. Some volunteers are as young as one year old!
• Pet Connections – Volunteers visit with their pets, creating moments of joy and connection, particularly for residents with memory loss.
• Seniors in the Park – LITA organizes outings to Marin parks with music, picnics, and nature talks.
• Bridging Generations – Schoolchildren are matched with older adults during monthly classroom visits, sharing projects, games, and conversation.

Group Engagement – Volunteers offer help with technology and lead interest-based classes.