August 2026

A Second Home

Pat was never the loudest voice in the room, never one to work a crowd. But she had a way about her. Over the years, one conversation at a time, Pat became someone I always looked forward to seeing. Without any fanfare, she was one of the people who made Next feel like a second home.

Pat passed away unexpectedly this month. I lost a friend, and Next, a special member. I don’t normally write about a specific member, but I am making an exception this time. I hope every person reading this will recognize a piece of her in someone they know, or maybe in themselves.

Pat never married, and she didn't have children. What she had was Next. She used Next exactly as I hope every member would, as a place fully woven into her days, a foundation solid as family.

Pat would drop into my office, usually for a little assistance, and ended up staying on, talking about all sorts of timely topics: politics, golf, home improvements. And then I’d take the opportunity to reiterate my pleas to stay safe in her home, like asking her to stop carrying laundry up and down the steep basement stairs, or at least promise to bring her cell phone, repeated reminders, just like family.

Many of our staff also did the things for Pat that you would typically ask of a family member. Errands. A phone call to sort something out. Help on the computer. And never once did she hesitate to ask. That, to me, is the whole point of what we're building.

We don't want anyone to think they're a bother for needing help. We want members to feel as comfortable asking us for a favor as they would be asking a sister, a son, or a good neighbor.

When Pat asked for help, it was our honor, not our obligation, as it is for every member who asks.

Pat was a trusted friend who spoke honestly about her observations, which I used as a litmus test to how well Next was serving the community. Pat not only enjoyed and relied on Next, she also had a genuine interest in the well-being of Next. When a new newsletter came out, Pat would come by the office with the longest list of events to register for, commenting that there is so much to do at Next, something for everyone. She was always complimentary about our offerings, our staff and the community we built, and supported us in many ways. It was that support that confirmed her opinion of Next as a safe and welcoming second home.

I'll miss Pat’s drop-in visits more than I can say, but when I reflect back, it makes me happy to know that Next helped fill her days with enriching opportunities, genuine friendship, and support whenever it was needed.

Many of our members and community residents live alone. If you are reading this and you've been hesitant to ask for a ride to an appointment, or help figuring out a form, or looking for a little company, please don't be. That hesitation is exactly what we hope to dissolve, one member at a time.

Cris Braun is Executive Director of Birmingham Next