Becky and Lona entered the Casper College Nursing Program in the late 1980s—Lona returning to advance from LPN to RN, and Becky following in her mother’s footsteps—and graduated together in 1991 as a mother-daughter nursing team. With nearly 70 years of combined nursing experience, they have built careers rooted in compassionate care for older adults and individuals living with dementia.

In recent years, several members of their family required increasing daytime support, and stepping in as caregivers was both meaningful and challenging. As their loved ones’ needs grew, ensuring safety, engagement, and emotional well-being while balancing work and daily responsibilities became increasingly difficult. When they searched for a safe, active, and loving daytime environment in Casper, the options were limited. 

Recognizing this gap in the community, they felt called to create something better. Their personal experiences strengthened their belief that families deserve reliable support, and that older adults deserve a place centered on dignity, purpose, and joy. This vision led to the creation of Among Friends—a warm, engaging, and supportive daytime program designed to enhance quality of life for older adults while giving peace of mind to families who entrust their care.