This month we will be spotlighting several individuals who are participating in one of LiNK’s adult learning opportunities. Today, we are delighted to feature mother and daughter Heidi and Sarah Billittier.
Heidi and Sarah have a lifelong interest in continued learning, traveling and exploring. Heidi is a social worker who has spent most of her career working with older adults and is currently the Director of Older Adult Services for Compeer, in Buffalo. Sarah works for Marriott in hospitality, and is passionate about creating work cultures of growth and success. Both find peace in music and in nature, the love they have for each other and their family, and find comfort in the memories of those who are no longer with them.
“It has been a tough couple of years for all of us,” they shared. “Most recently, we lost our mother (Sarah’s Grandmother—her “Dommie”), and as we searched for answers to questions around end of life and death and found none, we were compelled to connect with our roots in Judaism.” “I found some peace by attending virtual services at Shir Shalom, and wanted to take the course in hopes of a stronger connection and perhaps to find answers to many questions which still remain,” reflected Heidi.
Sarah wanted to feel a deeper connection to her family, specifically, her Grandmother. “The Introduction to Judaism class has provided an opportunity through which we have been able to sample all the richness that the Jewish community in Western New York has to offer,” they noted. “Each facilitator has brought their unique lens and rich experience to the class with incredible openness and willingness to share.” “The course has helped solidify our connections to family, our history, and to each other,” concluded Heidi. “And to have this experience with Sarah makes it all the more meaningful and during this time of sadness, it has been a blessing.”
For more information on Adult Learning through LiNK click HERE , register at BIT.LY/LINKADULTSPRING2022 or if you’d like to speak with Susan Schwartz, email her here.