The effect of Emmaus Services for the Aging of Washington DC has been profound. I began working with Emmaus many years ago as a volunteer delivering food and providing conversation to house-bound seniors. At that time it was a largely volunteer organization, operating out of a local church. Over the years it has grown, developed it's own building, and has been able to be helpful to hundreds of seniors, not only those that are house-bound, but also those who can come to the center and participate in the many activities that provide both friendship and the opportunity to learn new skills. For me, a great please in participating in Emmaus has been the sense of well being and self esteem I see the seniors develop, but my own sense of fellowship in being part of the center.
Emmaus Services for the Aging recently celebrated 30 years of service and thus started as a leader in services for the aging prior to the major focus of the 72 million plus baby boomers who will be entering the golden era. They serve a spectrum of needs from health, diet, transportation and the overall quality of life. I have seen the spark in the eyes of their 1000 plus citizens and see them as a model to be replicated across other wards of DC and the Nation. It allows citizens to feel cared for, respected and maintain their self esteem and positive outlook while receiving various levels of assistance. The team is awesome and dedicated and caring led by Rev. Joseph Williams.
I have been volunteering with Emmaus off and on for the past thirteen years, and now regularly for about a year and a half. My experience has been that they really care about the seniors they serve. When I first started, I had the privilege to visit with seniors every other Saturday, and sometimes run errands or do light housework. I now deliver groceries monthly. I remember one time in particular when a senior said, "I'm so glad to see you, I have no food in the cabinet." Additionally, while delivering the groceries, I got the chance to help some of the seniors sign up for the digital conversion, and even helped one install her converter box. As a result of these opportunities, I have learnt that my calling is to work with seniors. I love it so much, that I, along with a group from my Church have started a social activity for the seniors in the building next to my Church after we deliver groceries. The seniors love it! I really am thankful to Emmaus for giving me the chance to do something I have truly come to love.