A little about us
Tender Loving Kindness (TLK), a nonprofit, based in Omaha, Nebraska, formed in February 2020 just as life across the U.S. forever changed because of the COVID19 pandemic. In an instant, the vision of TLK Executive Director Terri Mahoney to support elderly who report feeling socially isolated and who experience chronic loneliness became even more pressing to make a reality. Our network of volunteers, or kindness companions as we prefer to call them, across the Omaha metro desire to "show up and show kindness" that makes a lasting difference in the lives of seniors desiring companionship. TLK endeavors to team up with Big O organizations dedicated to supporting the well-being of seniors, including area assisted and longterm care facilities, care-at-home agencies and faith-based communities.
"I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. All I knew was I wanted to help people in some way. When I started volunteering, I truly loved it and would go in almost every day. I had no idea that experience would take me where I am today. When God called me to start an organization for aging people who were suffering from loneliness, I said 'you have the wrong person. I’ll be a volunteer, but someone else can get it started.' God persisted and I finally said I would see if I could do anything. I gathered my first Board together and we got started but didn’t get far. Less than 4 weeks after we filed our Articles, Covid was finally acknowledged and all the places we would go were locked down. We kept going but I wondered how we would last. But here we are and I’m the Executive Director, something I never dreamed of or ever wanted. In a way, I got something I wanted because I’m still a volunteer and that makes me happy. Praise God!"
- Terri Mahoney, Ex. Director
Meet our board
Our Board has a lot of heart, made up of service-driven and compassionate people.
Charlie Gould, Chair; Mary Durkan, Volunteer Development; Mona Halpenny, Remote Senior Outreach Programs; Lorraine Dalziel, Vice-Chair; Sandy, Finance Chair.
Charlie Gould spent his professional career in education: five years teaching speech and debate, twenty-seven years teaching English and five years in staff development serving as an instructional coach.
He enjoys his participation in the work of First United Methodist Church Omaha where is lay leader, a position that allows him to serve on a variety of church committees, giving him insight into the workings of the church and its mission. Charlie is especially proud of the inclusive nature of First United Methodist Church of Omaha.
Charlie joined the Board of Tender Loving Kindness because he has always enjoyed and valued the older generations in his life. Charlie has a deep commitment to helping alleviate loneliness and despair among our vulnerable seniors.
"As a retired Occupational Therapist, I am passionate about helping others, especially seniors to continue to thrive. Loneliness can become more evident as we get older and I want to help others to avoid feeling lonely and love life."
- Lorraine Dalziel,
Vice Chair
Lorraine Dalziel
Mary Durkan
I am still currently working full time and look forward to being able to retire soon. I keep pretty busy with work and love to spend time with my kids and grandkids.
I love to decorate cakes and do just about any kind of craft that allows me to be creative.
I come from a large family where we were taught from a very young age to treat others the way we want to be treated and to always show compassion and kindness to others. I think that’s what created the special place in my heart that I have for seniors. Being a part of TLK and making an impact on someone’s life by easing their loneliness is very fulfilling. The seniors we meet make an impact on us as well. They have so much love, knowledge and experience to share.
Sandy recently retired from a 40 year career in healthcare management, coding, billing and consulting. She spends her time enjoying her grandson, hand embroidery, crocheting, reading and traveling.
Sandy Teel
Charlie Gould
I am still currently working full time and look forward to being able to retire soon. I keep pretty busy with work and love to spend time with my kids and grandkids.
I love to decorate cakes and do just about any kind of craft that allows me to be creative.
I come from a large family where we were taught from a very young age to treat others the way we want to be treated and to always show compassion and kindness to others. I think that’s what created the special place in my heart that I have for seniors. Being a part of TLK and making an impact on someone’s life by easing their loneliness is very fulfilling. The seniors we meet make an impact on us as well. They have so much love, knowledge and experience to share.