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Site FeedbackCaring Hands Newsletter - Spring 2008
Nine Years and Counting!
By Floy PaynterA Care Receiver’s Reflections
When I moved to Concord about fifteen years ago, I had no idea about the ride ahead, either literally or figuratively. It wasn’t long before I needed five bypasses and additional surgery on my sternum. Definitely not any fun whatsoever! I was in John Muir Hospital for two months in the former Transitional Care Unit. During that time in my recovery, I was eventually able to walk the halls, visit a bit and read the bulletin boards. One of my post-op concerns was that I would no longer be driving. I accepted this but had no notion of how I was going to get around. I am an independent cuss and was dealing with the loss of one of my freedoms. During one of my hall-way excursions, I noticed a flyer posted on the board. It was announcing the services of Caring Hands, a senior aid group attached to the hospital. I wrote down the telephone number. When I was released to my apartment, I was told I had to go to cardiac rehab for several weeks. I called Caring Hands and, after intake, was assigned a driver, the inimitable Bob Kaye. This man was not required to do what he did for me, but he did it anyway. Bob drove me three days a week from Concord to John Muir for my sessions. He and his wife, Willa, were so kind and generous with me. It was a tough time and I can’t feature what I would have done without them. Post-cardio is a lot like post-partum with emotional and physical ups and downs. Bob, with his sensitive and understanding nature, was wonderful to me. We were together for two years until they moved to the San Diego area. I was sorry to see them go but we are still in touch and I will never forget them.
I had some really nice interim helpers but was eventually assigned to Carl Kimmel. What can I say to really express how I feel about Carl? I often tell people that he is a rock for me. I asked him recently if he thought, after seven years together, that we would ever run out of things to talk about and he was sure that we wouldn’t in the foreseeable future. Carl is a man with many talents. In no particular order, here are some. He is a fantastic driver. I have never felt as safe in an automobile in my whole life! Next, his wry wit and agile mind are an ongoing delight. We are a perfect match ala the Caring Hands menu. He knows how to be a friend and he has gone above and beyond for me on many occasions. His wife, Donna, has taken me places and the three of us sometimes go to events together. They go on a long trip every year and never fail to tell me great stories about their travels. There is a lot more but how much time do you have? I must have done something right in my life to deserve them.
So, that’s a brief look at my experience with Caring Hands. But I must mention Roxanne Foster and Linda White who were about the only ones there in the beginning. I so admired their dedication and appreciated their kindness to me. I salute all those who have poured their energies into this organization. It is a sterling group of vital people. My apologies to all those I didn’t mention by name but it would take the whole newsletter! You know who you are and I thank you, as well. You can be proud of your work. And you can be absolutely sure that this little old lady loves every single one of you!
[back to top]You Mean the World to Us!
“You Mean the World to Us” was the theme on February 28th as Caring Hands celebrated nine years of providing service to area seniors who need a helping hand. The milestone was marked with a festive appreciation dinner with more than 130 people in attendance! In 2007, Caring Hands’ 304 volunteers provided nearly 20,000 hours of service to the area’s elderly and 364 seniors were served. Since 1999, when Caring Hands was first organized, the group has served more than 1,000 seniors and provided more than 49,000 one-way assisted rides. Top administrators from John Muir Health offered congratulations and sincere appreciation to all who have been involved with the program, from volunteers to donors. Everyone received a certificate of appreciation from Supervisor Mary Piepho’s office, a paper weight globe with “You Mean the World to Us” embossed on it, a delicious dinner, a montage of photos from the previous year was shown, and volunteers who were trained in 2007 and six individuals who have given more than 1,000 hours were acknowledged at the event. More excitement was generated with raffles for gift baskets going to six lucky winners.
Caring Hands Advisory Committee |
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| Rita Clancy, MSW | Jewish Family & Children's Services, Vice Chair |
| Rafael Quintero | Security Pacific Real Estate, Vice Chair |
| Harry Jayasingha | Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, Secretary |
| Solomon Belette | Catholic Charities of the East Bay |
| Roxanne Foster | Director of Volunteer Services, John Muir Health |
| Sandra Lemmons | Companion Care |
| Rev. Dwane Michael | Pastoral Care, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Campus |
| Lynn Opp, CFP | Merrill Lynch |
| Mary Roberts | Saint John Vianney Caholic Church |
| Grala Warren | Saint Matthew Lutheran Chuch |
| Ray Zenoni | Pleasant Hill |
Caring Hands Staff |
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| Carol Louisell | Program Manager |
| Kathy Friend, LCSW | Social Services Coordinator |
| Linda Groobin | Volunteer Coordinator |
| Lilian Kotz | Department Secretary |
| Nancy Ramirez | Hispanic Outreach Coordinator |
| Maria Tataru, LCSW | Intake Coordinator |
