For five years I was one of the families that benefited from the services of the Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. Now, years later, I serve on the board of that organization. As members of the "sandwich generation," my husband and I welcomed all four of our elderly parents into our home while we were active parents of young children. Fortunately we could accommodate multiple generations and augment our efforts with part time caregivers. But days at home for our parents, while safe and pleasant, had a sameness and were isolating because our two fathers had limited abilities due to stoke, diabetes, and dementia. And then we discovered Rosener House. What a gift to our fathers and our entire family! The two elderly men -- my father and my father-in-law -- enjoyed their days at Rosener House, participating in activities that challenged them and made each feel part of a larger community. My Dad and Jim's Dad would come home from Rosener House eager to share at the dinner table about their days and the people they had met -- both the other participants and the caring staff. And during the holiday season they were so excited and proud to bring home special gifts for our family, gifts that they had made at Rosener House or gifts they had carefully selected while "shopping at the Rosener House Boutique" with the help of a Peninsula Volunteer. We saw, as so many others have seen, that these Peninsula Volunteer services benefit not only the seniors who participate but slso greatly benefit their entire families. I often said that someday I hoped to share my time and talents with this wonderful organization that made such a difference in the lives of our parents and our family. Now that my children are grown, I am a Peninsula Volunteer and I am able to make a difference in the lives of many other seniors on the Peninsula through Rosener House, Little House, and Meals on Wheels.
Impact for good is the inspiration which motivates the Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. organization. As a board member and volunteer, I have seen the value and results of services Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. provides to aging, handicapped, hungry and lonely adults.
On our visit to a Meals On Wheels client, she greeted us with grateful smiles and urged us to stay and chat because we would be the only people she would see all day and until we, or another volunteer, arrived again with her next meal. We could not stay more than a few minutes, because other homebound clients also needed their meals.
After this experience I realized how many folks, especially seniors, feel lonely and isolated.
This experience reinforced the reason why we came and the critical need for the services services which Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. provides. I am so glad to serve on the Board of Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. and give my time and treasure to an organization who helps so many. The housing, food and socialization offered through Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. programs help the aging adults in our community survive and thrive and that is impact for good.
The Programs supported By the Peninsula Volunteers are worthy of Five Stars:
Little House a adult activity Center. Menlo Park, Ca.
Rosner House a Day car Center for those with Dementia and Alzheimer's. Middle Ave. Menlo Park.
Meals On wheels serving the home bound in San Mateo County with Hot Nutritious meals.
Sr. Housing for those in need:
Crane Place on Crane St. in Menlo Park.
Partridge Kennedy apartments.on Partridge Street in Menlo Park.
Various programs for enrichment in our Community.
S.E.F.
When it came time to find a senior day care center for my husband with progressive dementia, I looked at facilities close to home, but was unimpressed. However, having lived in Menlo Park for 30 plus years, I figured it was worth looking at Rosener House Senior Day Care Center, (albeit 15 miles away) and as I entered the building, was welcomed by warm and caring people. Immediately, it was clear that this was the right place! The care, help and stimulation my husband receives there is worth EVERYTHING, and provides me with time to carry out the chores of daily living without having to keep an eye on what he is doing.
I came across Peninsula Volunteers, Inc. last summer, and immediately felt as though I had found a place that enabled me to do what I loved. Though I did not work directly with the senior community, I continuously worked to promote their business. Mary, the volunteering director, gave me many volunteering opportunities that I cherished, such as helping out with their newsletter and making flyers. The sense of community that Peninsula Volunteers fosters is so welcoming and kind that it made me realize that it wasn't just a place where people could get enriched, or the elderly could spend the day participating in enjoyable activities, but rather, a family of interconnectedness. They incorporated many creative and unique ideas, like Meal on Wheels, and as a result, created a truly incredible experience for me.
After having retired as an RN I wanted to do something to contribute to our community. My 90+ year old Mother had been able to stay in her home largely because of the local Meals-On-Wheels program which delivered hot meals to her home everyday.
Since Meals-On-Wheels is one of the sponsored programs of Peninsula Volunteers I called them to see if I could help. That started a wonderful and very fulfilling relationship with this exceptional organization. I have consistently been so impressed with how well run the organization is, how much appreciation is given to its volunteers, and how friendly, fun and professional the staff are.
I learned that not only does Peninsula Volunteers offer Meals-Wheels, it also provides many other important services to our community including Rosner Senior Day Care Center, Little House which provides many recreational programs as well as hot meals for seniors, and other important community services. I have volunteered for them all and loved every minute.
While on my sabbatical, I had some free time and wanted to work with the senior community in some capacity. I found Peninsula Volunteers online and had a wonderful experience...volunteered in Menlo Park at both Rosenor and Little House. Found both to be well run with an abundance of caring people working to help make the lives of the elderly that go there a bit happier!
Peninsula Volunteers is a great organization to volunteer for! I did a school project focusing on marketing and completed it with ease thanks to the staff at Rosener House and Peninsula Volunteers. Because I enjoyed working with them so much, I stayed on to continue volunteering even after I graduated and received my degree. If you are looking for a positive environment with helpful, happy people and a great cause, join Peninsula Volunteers!!!
Many, many years ago my grandmother lived in PV housing on Partridge and used Little House to pursue friendships as well as participate in activities that were offered at the time. Because of her, I always
knew I wanted to work as a volunteer. Meal delivery, meal packing, office help and cashiering for
the lunch in the cafe has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people. The paid staff is appreciative
of everything we volunteers do, as well as providing a very caring and supportive environment to work in. It is truly amazing to watch the kitchen prepare, pack and organize so many meals each day.
Providing meals and services to those in need helps me to understand my community better and know
that by working together, we can make a difference. It is very gratifying. I feel i gain
so much more than I give. Kellyb
My husband is dealing with an unforeseen challenge: dementia. After visiting several unimpressive senior day care facilities, I dropped in at Peninsula Volunteers Rosener House, in Menlo Park, and was greeted with warmth and made to feel welcome, before even looking at the place. This immediately felt like the right place. We were shown around and could see what a day at Rosener House would include. It was clear that the staff are well trained and able to provide the participants with stimulation far beyond what they would have at home. While my husband is there, I have the time to do the various chores of daily living. And, on the days that he attends Rosener House, he is more connected than on days spent only at home. In summary: because he attends Rosener House, I am able to manage my stress, do something for myself and continue providing home care, which would otherwise not be possible. Clearly, this is the right place!
I first became aware of the Peninsula Volunteers twenty years ago when I took a computer class at their 'Little House' in Menlo Park. I enjoyed the class and the teachers and class volunteers and took more classes. Eventually I was asked to help teach and so began a long and very happy association with Little House and the many friends I have made there. I volunteer two full days a week in the Computer Lab and help with the lending library of books, books on tape or CDs. I enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere and the many excellent programs and classes they offer. I also really enjoy Chef Larry Wong's delicious lunches.
Audrey
Redwood City