Login with FacebookDOROT, INC.
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I was a Volunteer & The Summer Teen Internship Program, friendly visits once a week, Teen Board.
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One of my most memorable visits involved a 90 year old woman who was almost completely deaf. She had suffered a devastating fire in her apartment 5 years prior, during which all of her possessions had been ruined. However, instead of dwelling on this unfortunate event, she explained to me that she was not upset over it, but rather thankful for her life and for the people that helped her after the fire. The way she was able to have such an appreciative and optimistic outlook on her tragedy really put things into perspective for me, as do all the seniors I visit every week. Every senior has a different lesson to teach. For her, it was to not dwell on past events, and find the light in every dark occurrence. I am reminded of what's really important in life, and being a junior in high school, I all too often think that college applications are of this immense importance. Its hard to believe that I am in fact the volunteer; I always think of myself as the student or friend. Its these mutualistic relationships I form that have me falling in love with DOROT over and over again.
The Great!
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... The most sensitive and selfless staff I've ever met from any type of organization.
Ways to make it better!
- If I ran this organization, I would... have qualified, voluntary teens running some of the classes that seniors attend, instead of having all classes run by adults.
I was a Volunteer & I visit the elderly for birthdays, computer help, shopping, or just to talk
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Dorot gave me a new appreciation for not only the greater Jewish community, but also the elderly. I've met people from all walks of life with all kinds of interesting perspectives.
The Great!
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... reach out to more and more people, enriching the lives of many
Ways to make it better!
- If I ran this organization, I would... have the volunteers consistently visit one or two people
I was a Volunteer & I volunteer weekly at Dorot, visiting seniors and occasionally doing on-site work.
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In my experience, Dorot has been a really great help to seniors living in Manhattan. However, it helps not only seniors, but it is really great for teenagers like myself to be able to get to know what it was like for the seniors growing up, and being able to relate to them. There is nothing more satisfying than to see the smile on a senior's face when they get a visit on their birthday, or when they figure out some new cool thing on a computer. On one occasion, a senior needed help installing a voice recognizer on her computer in order to type things just by speaking. After I helped her install it, the thing worked so well that I strongly considered getting one myself.
The Great!
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... Being able to connect with the seniors at their homes. It is a great feeling when I hear a story from a senior and then say that I know exactly how they feel.
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... Not having enough paid adult employees. Adult volunteers would let Dorot do a lot more with the volunteers they have. For example, sometimes meal drop-offs are required and Dorot sends teenagers, even though it could be done by a car three times as fast.
I was a Volunteer & Make telephone calls to their clients inviting them to come to a banquet for Thanksgiving or in the alternative plan a visit with a Thanksgiving meal. For Rosh Hashana we check with the clients whether they would like to receive a holiday package. Althou
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I am the co-chair of the Social Action Committee of my synagogue. For the last four years we have individually and as a group participated in Dorot's Thanksgiving meal delivery programs in which volunteers deliver a Thanksgiving meal and stay for a friendly visit with a homebound elderly client. I also personally participate by making phone calls for their delivery programs for Rosh Hashana and Thanksgiving, The feedback that I get by making those phone calls from people who speak so very positive of the work of Dorot is very gratifying to me as a volunteer.
Dorot means generations in Hebrew, and is a play on the Hebrew phrase, L'Dor V'Dor from generation to generation. Volunteers of all ages benefit by seeing how vital and productive some seniors can be well into their nineties; and last night I spoke with a happy centenarian who will be attending the Thanksgiving Banquet in a wheelchair with her aide. Such interaction gives me hope for my own later years (I am 68, an age that I once thought to be old.)Dorot is a non-sectarian agency under Jewish auspices.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... Meeting with senior clients and seeing how older people can continue to be vital with supports from the community.
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... To educate a new generation of young people to the importance of reaching out to seniors.
I was a Volunteer & escorted seniors on museum visits and to the hospital, delivered holiday packages, weekly friendly visiting to seniors, birthday visits
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I have been a volunteer for Dorot for several years now. Their work is absolutely outstanding. I gone on birthday visits and seen the faces of seniors light up when they are told that their friends at Dorot are thinking of them on their birthdays and have sent a birthday cake. I have accompanied seniors on cultural events to museums, and watching how Dorot enables the seniors to interact and engage with other seniors is outstanding. I strongly believe that if seniors are kept busy, socially engaged, and culturally active, they will continue to be young at heart and enjoy each moment in life. What better gift could be given to people in their older ages? The work of Dorot is truly impacting and I have seen firsthand how their work has changed the lives of so many seniors (and all volunteers gain a tremendous amount as well!)
The Great!
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... absolutely incredible. The staff shows a great amount of respect and friendliness in dealing with the seniors. They are warm and loving and passionate about the work that they do.
Ways to make it better!
- One thing I'd also say is that... the organization would be able to do that many more programs if they had more funding and resources to do so. It is truly a shame that due to financial constraints, their great work becomes uncontrollably inhibited.