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Site FeedbackCaring Hands Newsletter - Summer 2009
Caring Hands Receives Its First Endowment
Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program recently received a $50,000 gift which will establish the Ruth Arnhold Steiner Endowment for Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program at John Muir Health Foundation.
"We are so pleased to receive this generous gift that establishes our first endowment," said Carol Louisell, Program Manager of Caring Hands. "This is a wonderful way to honor Ruth Arnhold Steiner's commitment to providing transportation and independence to our senior community in perpetuity."
Ruth first became aware of Caring Hands in 1999. Her interest was fostered by her firm belief in the transportation needs for seniors. In 2009 she remains Caring Hands' largest individual benefactor. Her ongoing financial support helped establish and now sustains Caring Hands in our community. Her gifts total more than $260,000. She passed away in 2001 at the age of 86.
"Ruth epitomized a true philanthropist and carried on her family's tradition through her community activities and charitable giving even after her passing," said Barbara Schuh, Donor Advisor, Ruth Arnhold Steiner Senior Transportation Fund at the East Bay Community Foundation. "We are so excited to honor Ruth's legacy by establishing this endowment for Caring Hands. We can't think of a more worthy program than Caring Hands whose mission is to enable seniors to remain at home where they feel safe and comfortable — something Ruth valued so much."
"The advantage of an endowment is that the Caring Hands Program will receive funds in perpetuity," said Louisell. For more information on how you can make a contribution to Caring Hands or to the Ruth Arnhold Steiner Endowment for Caring Hands, please call Caring Hands at (925) 952-2999 or John Muir Health Foundation at (925) 947-4449.
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Third Annual Spring Tea — Celebrating Special Friendships
On Friday, June 19, Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program held its Third Annual Spring Tea hosted by The Kensington Vintage Senior Living located in Walnut Creek.
"The Spring Tea was developed as an opportunity for our volunteers and seniors to enjoy some special time together," said Kathy Friend, Social Services Coordinator for Caring Hands. More than 150 people enjoyed gourmet blended teas by Harbor View Teas and delicious tea sandwiches and desserts prepared by The Kensington's on-site chef.
Bea Hollander, a Caring Hands Care Receiver since 2006, was invited to share her Caring Hands story. "I have always believed that we each have angels in our lives on earth that we cannot see. God blessed me with my very special, precious, angel on earth that I can see, Rosemary. I cannot find the right words of what I feel in my heart for Rosemary and Caring Hands – except thank you!"
Marilyn Ellis of Lighthouse Organizers was the keynote speaker and shared valuable information on how to get organized. This is an especially relevant message for seniors who may be facing downsizing due to changes in life's circumstances. Marilyn's message was one of hope, even for the most cluttered home or apartment.
"We can't thank Kevin Young and The Kensington staff enough for all they did to create a memorable experience for our care receivers and their volunteers. This tea was a tremendous success due to their commitment to providing a first class event," said Carol Louisell, Program Manager of Caring Hands.
Caring Hands' Community Action Team Takes Excursion to PAWS
In 2008 Caring Hands developed the Community Action Team (CAT) whose purpose is to recruit volunteers from the communityat- large to serve homebound seniors. Today we have 8 members representing Brentwood (and far east county), Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek.
"As a Faith in Action program we have primarily relied on the interfaith communities to identify and recruit volunteers," said Linda Groobin, Volunteer Coordinator for Caring Hands. "But as we grow to serve more seniors in our community we need to find new sources of volunteers – and who better to go to than volunteers from the community-at-large."
"We have so much fun together, but we know how to get the job done," said Ray Zenoni, Chair of the Community Action Team. "In 2008 Caring Hands trained 116 volunteers and 60 were from the community-at-large. We have been tremendously successful tapping into new sources for volunteers. This is something we are very proud of."
John Gardella is a member of CAT and represents the city of Walnut Creek. He has been a Caring Hands caregiver since 2004. John also volunteers at John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus and Rossmoor; Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation; and Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). "The Community Action Team wanted to plan a fun activity together and John connected us with PAWS," said Groobin. "On June 27 ten of us made the trip and what an amazing place! Its mission is dedicated to the protection of performing animals; to provide sanctuary to abused, abandoned and retired captive wildlife; to ensure the best standards of care for all captive wildlife; to the preservation of wild species and their habitat and to promoting public education on captive wildlife issues."
For more information on becoming a member of the Community Action Team contact Caring Hands at 925-952-2999 and for more information on PAWS please go to www.pawsweb.org
Caring Hands Advisory Committee |
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| Rafael Quintero Security | Security Pacific Real Estate, Chair |
| Sandra Lemmons | Companion Care / ResCare Home Services, Vice Chair |
| Ray Zenoni | Pleasant Hill Community, Secretary |
| Joe Bettencourt | Interim Healthcare Staffing |
| Bob Fairbanks | Walnut Creek Community |
| Roxanne Foster | Volunteer Services, John Muir Health |
| John Gardella | Walnut Creek Community |
| Nancy Lewis, LCSW | Senior Alternatives |
| Rev. Dwane Michael | Pastoral Care, John Muir Medical Center-Walnut Creek Campus |
| Marge Perez | Catholic Charities of the East Bay |
| Cathie Ramey | Walnut Creek Senior Club |
| Mary Roberts | Saint John Vianney Catholic Church |
| Grala Warren | Saint Matthew Lutheran Chuch |
Caring Hands Staff |
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| Carol Louisell | Program Manager |
| Lilian Kotz | Department Secretary |
| Linda Groobin | Volunteer Coordinator |
| Maria Tataru, LCSW | Intake Coordinator |
| Nancy Ramirez | Hispanic Outreach Coordinator |
| Kathy Friend, LCSW | Social Services Coordinator |
