Serving others is the very heart of Bethesda Gardens Senior Communities' mission. Since our founding in 1959, we've constantly sought new ways to help those in need, including supporting benevolent organizations in the local community and around the world.
We've learned firsthand the rich benefits that extending love provide the recipients and the givers. For this reason, we encourage our residents to join us in volunteering and experiencing its rewards for themselves.
Social isolation and idleness can lead to loneliness and depression in older adults. Volunteering is the perfect counter to these issues, allowing seniors to do meaningful work with like-minded individuals. In addition to feeling a sense of purpose and satisfaction, volunteers can know they've left a lasting impact.
Outdoor activities let seniors exercise in the fresh air and sunlight. Mental activity and hand dexterity are also used in volunteer duties, such as counting and organizing a food pantry's shelves or folding and stuffing envelopes. Seniors with mobility or health issues can ask staff members here at Bethesda Gardens Phoenix to help them find tasks that best suit their abilities and strengths.
Senior Centers are a fantastic hub of social activities, resources and recreation. Ambassadors are needed at the 15 local centers to help visitors and new members understand the building's layout and available amenities and services. Outgoing seniors may enjoy introducing newcomers and regulars to help them build new friendships.
The Vita program offers tax assistance to low-income individuals or those with situations that make it hard to understand and fill out a tax return. Volunteers are provided training, and there are several ways to participate, including acting as a greeter or an interpreter.
Many of our residents have a passion for gardening. The Tiger Mountain Foundation gives people with a green thumb the chance to dig into the earth and cultivate fruits and veggies for a good cause.
In Bethesda Gardens Phoenix, we know the positive effect proper nutrition can have on a senior's health. Our culinary staff strives each day to create food that is tasty and healthy. Seniors who want to ensure their peers also eat well can contact the Area Agency on Aging, Region One, to learn more about joining the meals on wheels team.
Phoenix's Office of Arts and Culture uses volunteers to ensure visitors have the best possible experience when visiting The Gallery @ City Hall. The role includes providing directions, information and assistance about the gallery and other points of interest in the downtown area.
The beautiful Rohoen has a wide variety of opportunities to explore. Seniors can serve as ambassadors and tour guides. Volunteers greet guests, take tickets and count the number of attendees during its regular events. Gardeners can join in caring for the flowers and trees spread throughout the 3.5-acre park, completing tasks such as raking, weeding and planting.
The Herberger Theater and Fountain Hills Theater are just two of the many theatrical groups in Phoenix that depend on volunteers. In addition to working as ushers, interested seniors will find many unique jobs at area theaters, including styling hair and make-up, fundraiser creation and decorating. Prop, costume and set design let craft lovers flex their creative muscles. Daily needs such as cleaning, clerical tasks and mail handling help keep the theater in tip-top shape.
Founded in 1946, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has created a community of volunteers to spread love and compassion to hurting individuals. Helpers pack food boxes for families, work in kitchens serving the homeless and organize shelves in thrift stores. Grandparents are encouraged to bring their grandchildren to participate in family projects, and seniors with mobility issues can check out the virtual volunteer program for home-based opportunities.
To improve children's literacy, the United Way began the 12Books program in 2014. Seniors can participate by donating money and books or helping clean and pack the volumes. Volunteers can even help from the comfort of their assisted living apartments by creating videos of themselves reading stories or signing up to read with school kids virtually twice a week.
Seniors who love hitting the green can share their passion by teaching kids how to play the game. The group's goal is for children to learn life skills while practicing their swing and to draw their families into the lessons to deepen their bonds.
For additional volunteering ideas, residents can check with staff members and our chaplain about ways they could use their hobbies to help others. Many organizations need donations such as knitted items, wooden crafts and handmade greeting cards.
Seniors may also want to consider joining or forming a volunteer group. By volunteering with family members and friends, seniors can reap the benefits of helping others while spending time with their favorite people.
