Baycrest

Teens assist clients at mealtimes A n innovative partnership between Baycrest and Bikur Cholim was created this year to bring students from local high schools to Baycrest to assist clients at mealtimes. Bikur Cholim is a volunteer-driven social service organization whose Hebrew name means "visiting the sick." Together, the two organizations recruited and trained Grade 11 students from Bnos Bais Yaakov to support clients during meals to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience. "Going to Baycrest weekly was an incredible experience that took me beyond my comfort level and made me grow by interacting with older people," says Fraidy Fried. "I also learned a lot from watching how Baycrest staff interact with the clients." The students received specialized training in the latest eating assistance techniques and acquired invaluable skills. Breindy Adler says she grew personally from the experience as well. "The residents of Baycrest have contributed so much to our city, and I felt privileged to help them and to learn from them," she says. The role of Eating Assistance Program volunteers is to encourage client independence, maintain client dignity, participate in the mealtime experience, and enrich clients' lives. "I would definitely recommend this volunteer position to someone else," says Gila Meira Terris. "Thank you for the opportunity." For more information about becoming an Eating Assistant and making a real difference, please visit: baycrest.org/volunteer. Co-op students gain work and life skills T he High School Co-op Program at Baycrest provides Grade 11 students with an opportunity to experience what it's like to work in a healthcare setting that specializes in the care of older adults. Students gain a better understanding of their career options while developing relationships with seniors, staff and other volunteers. During the past school year, 31 students from 11 schools spent a semester volunteering at Baycrest. Here's what two of them had to say: Shahrzad Mohseni William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute "This opportunity helped me become familiar with the hospital workplace. It also helped me consider future career paths. I wouldn't change one thing about my placement. I enjoyed working at Baycrest and getting to know other students from different schools as well. I will be going back as a volunteer because I enjoyed it so much." Samuel Chen Vaughan Secondary School "I first came to Baycrest as a co-op student from Vaughan Secondary School knowing very little of the organization. I was very lucky to have a placement with the Baycrest Foundation. During my time here, I was able to learn a vast amount of skills and many different things regarding Baycrest as well. Everyone is so nice and easy to talk to and they just made my experience at Baycrest even more enjoyable. I am excited to come back to volunteer, and I recommend it to others to come and have a great experience as well!" 11 Shahrzad Mohseni and Samuel Chen

• Cover