I recently read an article in the Los Angeles Times describing how high school students seeking meaningful volunteer experiences are increasingly rejecting service options abroad to focus on volunteer opportunities close to home. This turn of events is a reversal of a trend that emerged over the past several years as increased competition for choice college spots spawned an industry of high priced international travel with a volunteer bent as students applying to colleges sought ways to distinguish themselves from other applicants in the admissions process. There is no doubt that volunteering abroad can be of value. For some, volunteering away from familiar surroundings and being exposed to other cultures can be an eye-opening and in some cases even life-changing experience. However, as the economy continues to falter and students come to the realization that a few weeks of volunteer work in an exotic foreign country won't necessarily mean admission to their school of choice, many are reconsidering their options and focusing on service in their own communities.

In my own work, I have observed many instances where the most meaningful experiences for volunteers occur when they help others in the communities where they live, work or go to school because there is often a personal connection with the people in those settings. As the year comes to a close, many of us may make resolutions with the goal of improving the lives of others. Regardless of the stage of life we are in, we can draw meaning from the shift by students to focus their energy on helping their surrounding communities. If we look around, I think we'll all see there's plenty of work to do that involves helping others close to home.    

Click here to read the article from the Los Angeles Times.

Older Adult Services

Following a very competitive process this summer, the City of New York's Department for the Aging has selected us to create one of eight new Innovative Senior Centers in New York City. Beginning in January, our 70th Street Senior Center will be open from 8 a.m to 8 p.m. 365 days a year and will be known as the Center@LenoxHill. With this expansion, we will need more volunteers to provide a wide range of programming in areas such as health and wellness, arts, education and technology, to name a few. If you have an interest in teaching an exercise class, helping people improve their computer skills, running art and music activities or have an idea for assisting with another type of program we would love to hear from you. 

Homeless & Housing Services

We are seeking volunteers to facilitate weekly group activities at Casa Mutua, our 54-unit permanent supportive housing residence for formerly homeless, mentally ill single adults. Areas of interest include music, creative writing, cooking & nutrition and bingo.

To learn more about these opportunities, please contact Anthony Snowden at 212 744-5022, ext. 1238 or asnowden@lenoxhill.org.   

Last year, Project SCOPE, our case management program for thousands of frail and often homebound older adults on the Upper East Side and East Harlem, was selected as a pilot community for the National Council on Aging's Economic Security Initiative. The goal of the Initiative is to increase economic security for low-income older adults, age 55 and older, with incomes below 250% of the federal poverty line by providing economic case management services. Through the establishment of our Economic Security Initiative (ESI) Clinic earlier this year, a group of volunteers was trained by our staff to assist individuals who fit the above criteria. Volunteers learned how to conduct thorough financial assessments, develop economic action plans and help clients navigate often confusing and bureaucratic systems to access public benefits and entitlements. Anne Foerg, Program Director of Project SCOPE, who oversees the Clinic, speaks highly of the work all the volunteers do saying, "Our volunteer economic specialists have been instrumental in expanding our capacity to assist older adults improve their economic situations in these difficult times. Our team works to link everyone they see with every possible resource. Their commitment to helping others inspires me to do better every day." I spoke with one of the program's volunteers, Martin Kleinwald, to get his perspective on his work with the ESI Clinic.

Q: You retired from a career in publishing a few years ago. What drew you to this volunteer position given that it is so different from what you did professionally?

A: At the point I became aware I was going to retire I knew I wanted to do some volunteer work that involved meeting other people at a place where I could feel good about what I was doing. The social service aspect of the work was foreign to me at first but I've become comfortable with it over time. It's gratifying because I see that I do help the people who meet with me.  

Q: What's the most challenging aspect of the work you do with people who visit the ESI Clinic?

A: In some cases you're dealing with clients who get extremely emotional when discussing their financial situation. Sometimes when meeting with someone they'll say something like, "I never thought it would be this way," when referring to their finances. It's heartbreaking to hear something like that but I have to be aware of not overstepping my role and focusing on helping the person deal with the situation. This experience has opened my eyes to how many people are living on or below the edge financially.

 
Q: In addition to your work with the ESI Clinic you also volunteer at our 70th Street Senior Center and the English Speaking Union. What motivates you to take on these various responsibilities in your retirement?

A: Now that I'm retired there's plenty of time for me to do the things I want to do. Being involved in these activities keeps me active and alert. I thought I would miss working when I retired but I actually don't.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of volunteering for the ESI Clinic? 

A: The most rewarding thing has been helping people in ways they didn't know they could get help. For example, helping someone get food stamps, a reduced-fare metro card or some other benefit they're entitled to. Lots of people don't have friends or family to help them. When they see an ESI volunteer is here to help them they open up, which makes it a nice volunteer experience.