Our July Volunteer of the Month - Susan
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Aging Resources wouldn't operate without our incredible volunteers and community partners. We want to thank the many individuals and businesses donating their time, talent, and treasure to support older Douglas County adults by volunteering with ARDC. This July, we're highlighting Susan, a volunteer with Aging Resources.
Susan has been a wonderful volunteer with ARDC, volunteering specifically through our Companion Program. She regularly visits with Loretta, an ARDC client, and helps her in a variety of ways. Providing that social connection and camaraderie has been a wonderful outlet for Loretta. She looks forward to Susan's visits and a beautiful friendship has blossomed between them. Thank you, Susan, for all that you do on behalf of Aging Resources to help older adults, age independently and in their homes. Get to know Susan below... What brought you to Aging Resources of Douglas County? My neighbor, Jerry, is on the board. He encouraged me to attend the 5th Anniversary Party last year to learn more. I was extremely impressed with the organization and all of the services offered to help encourage independence for older adults. I was inspired by the many stories I heard and knew that having the opportunity to be a part of Aging Resources would be a worthwhile and fulfilling experience. What’s a memorable story from your time volunteering with us? I am currently a part of the Companion Program and am in the process of helping an 86-year-old woman look for and find a rental in Castle Rock. She is currently living with her daughter and grandson and would like to move into a 2-bedroom apartment. I am very hopeful this arrangement will work out for her! What do you love about helping the older community? Most of the adults that use the many services offered are extremely appreciative of and thankful for the volunteers. Many of them are also looking for company, conversation, companionship, active listening skills and a caring and compassionate heart. What advice would you share with someone who is thinking about volunteering with Aging Resources? Have a vested interest in working with older adults, appreciate the real struggles they are experiencing, practice patience, and offer kindness and compassion, above all, as they are often lacking the love and support they so deserve. What are some of your hobbies? Reading; Canasta (card game); Biking; Learning Languages; Playing Piano; Going to Eagles (AHL) hockey games; Concerts; Theatre; and Taking Vacations. What is a fun fact about you? I love being silly and singing about ridiculous things. It's a great way to relieve stress. A sense of humor means everything to me. As an example, watch the comedic humor of actor Sam Rockwell in the film "The Way Way Back." What is something on your bucket list? Hopefully getting back into the alpaca industry and purchasing some animals. I was a co-owner of an alpaca business from 2011-2018. During these years, we purchased, bred, raised, and showed alpacas in the show ring. In addition, we had pop-up stores at various venues in the Chicago area and sold alpaca clothing and accessories from Peru. Thank you Susan for being such a wonderful volunteer with ARDC and making such a difference in the lives of older adults, like Loretta. We appreciate you! |