JABA Volunteers: a message from JABA CEO, Marta Keane
The theme of May’s Older Americans’ Month is ‘Make Your Mark.’ To me, you have done just that! Each of you have made your mark:
A FISH volunteer, mentoring students, supporting teachers, to help each child achieve their potential
An Insurance Counseling volunteer, providing information and assistance for Getting Started in Medicare, Medicare Part D open enrollment, or Affordable Care Act enrollment
An Ombudsman volunteer, helping the most vulnerable advocate for what they need
A Community Center or Adult Care Center volunteer, bringing joy to the members through your talents- entertaining, pet therapy, flower arranging, teaching about new ideas and hobbies, setting up for lunch, and so many other examples
A Shining Star volunteer, adding activities to a full day of preschool programming
A data entry and office volunteer, expanding our capacity to serve more by providing the support of documenting what we are doing
A Neighbor to Neighbor volunteer, supporting your neighbors through friendship, empathy, and at times with practical needs
A Nutritional Delivery Driver volunteer, ensuring that our community has access to healthy food, even when home-bound.
A CDSME volunteer, leading health and wellness classes to promote independence and self-care
A JABA Board member or Advisory Council member or Committee member, providing your expertise to set the strategic path
Each of these efforts help to promote and preserve our mission. The number of volunteers and the number of hours is overwhelming. And the commitment of showing up week after week is admirable. We know we can count on you.
As we modify our operations to keep all of you and our members safe, it provides an opportunity to reflect on the many ways that you create a sustainable community for healthy aging, and the many ways that you benefit individuals and families of all ages. We look forward to welcoming you all back when we are able to return to gathering together, and being able to thank you in person. In the meantime, I would like to share my heartfelt appreciation for all you do!"
