On Labor Day, Monday, September 1, the Senior Center will be closed. No Springwell lunch, van or transportation services will be available on that day.
This Month’s Valued Volunteer
Originally from Hong Kong, Clara Chin moved to Boston with her husband in 1966 as a young adult. In 1979, they settled in Brookline. Before emigrating, Clara taught English and Math to 1st and 5th grade students in Hong Kong. After her daughter started school in Boston, Clara was trained in the insurance industry, where she built a career until her retirement in 2013. Clara also spent many years volunteering with AARP, advocating for better healthcare policies and supporting her community. Even before retiring, Clara and her husband occasionally visited the Brookline Senior Center to enjoy a lunch together. Seeing volunteers helping with the lunch program, Clara thought, ʺThatʹs what I should do!ʺ So, after retiring, she began volunteering with the program – coming in twice a week to help prepare lunches, set up tables, and serve participants. Several years later, a friend from the Senior Center encouraged Clara to join the flower arranging volunteer group. An avid gardener at home, Clara loved the idea. Now, every Thursday morning, she creates beautiful arrangements that brighten up the Senior Center using flowers donated by Trader Joeʹs. She also helps care for the plants and flowers around the Senior Center – planting,
watering, and making sure everything thrives.
In addition, Clara helps out at the Brookline Senior Centerʹs Annual Craft Fair and Rummage Sale, as well as the Annual Sidewalk Sale. She also enjoys participating in many of the Senior Center programs, including jewelry‐making and arts and crafts. ʺI say hi to everyone here. I like talking and getting to know people. I am happy at the Senior Center,ʺ she says. Clara brings genuine warmth and friendliness to the Senior Center, and we are grateful for her contributions.
If you have a special interest area or expertise that you would like to share, please reach out to Valerie Graf, the Volunteer Coordinator, at 617‐730‐2743 or vgraf@brooklinema.gov and learn about volunteer opportunities at the Brookline Senior Center.
Valued Volunteers
We are proud to introduce our newly published booklet, Valued Volunteers of the Brookline Senior Center. This publication highlights nearly a decade of our amazing volunteers, a sampling of hundreds of our volunteers, both past and present. You can stop by the Brookline Senior Center to get your copy. If you know someone who should be featured for our ongoing Valued Volunteer articles, please reach out to Valerie Graf, Volunteer Coordinator, at vgraf@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2743.
Visiting Volunteers
Are you interested in weekly social visits with seniors in their home? Volunteers are matched with seniors in the community for weekly friendly visits to help with social isolation common for so many homebound seniors. Volunteers will receive initial training and ongoing support from a Brookline Senior Center Social Worker. Please reach out with our Volunteer Coordinator, Valerie Graf, at vgraf@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2743.
If you or a family member could benefit from a weekly social visit, please reach out to our Social Worker, Sharon Sandalow, at ssandalow@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2769.
Click here to read more about the Visiting Volunteer program.
S.H.O.P (Students Helping Older People)
The S.H.O.P. (Students Helping Older People) Program, a collaboration between the Brookline Senior Center and the Brookline High School (BHS), has been a community service club at BHS for over 25 years. Students are paired with seniors to assist with grocery shopping throughout the school year. In addition to providing practical support for seniors, this program also offers high school students valuable life skills. Not only do they hone their grocery shopping skills, it creates opportunities for students and seniors to exchange stories and life experiences, fostering rich intergenerational conversations. These connections often evolve into meaningful, long-lasting relationships, benefiting both the students and seniors involved.
Anne Mogel, a BHS junior and one of this year’s SHOP Student Leaders says, “I’ve had a great experience participating in SHOP. I have been able to form a relationship with the senior I’m shopping for, as well as experience what it’s like to do hands-on volunteering, where I can see my impact up close. I shop for my senior every weekend, and it has become woven into my weekly routine. I’m looking forward to continuing my shopping this year, and furthering my experience!”
Currently serving approximately 30 Brookline seniors, the SHOP program gets high marks from the seniors involved. One senior couldn’t say enough positive things about the two students with whom she has been paired. She noted that “It’s the highlight of my week!” Another senior reflected that “the student’s cheery demeanor is a gift in itself. The program incorporates young people to help older people like me. It’s beneficial for everyone involved. Win Win!”
This program typically runs during the school calendar year, and resumes each fall. If you are in need of a shopper during the summer months, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Valerie Graf, at 617‐730‐2743 or email her at vgraf@brooklinema.gov, to inquire about the SHOP waitlist and summer options.
CLICK HERE to watch a video to learn more about the S.H.O.P program and how it benefits both students and seniors.
Retirement Engagement Alternatives Program (REAP)
The REAP program is designed for Brookline residents aged 60 and older who wish to remain engaged and active in the community while in retirement or partial retirement. Limited additional program opportunities may also be available for individuals aged 55-60. The goal of this program is to enhance the retirement experience by connecting participants with either part-time paid or volunteer work in the community or at the Brookline Senior Center (BSC).
To enroll or for more information, call 617-730-2767 or email Vivian Williams at vwilliams@brooklinema.gov.at vwilliams@brooklinema.gov.
Thinking of Volunteering?
If you have a special interest area or expertise that you would like to share with the Senior Center, please reach out to Valerie Graf, the Volunteer Coordinator, at 617-730-2743 or vgraf@brooklinema.gov to learn more about creating and facilitating a new program at the Senior Center.
Other services
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