Baycrest

Volunteers continue to lead the way M ore than 100 years ago, a philanthropic group of Jewish Torontonians began planning a Jewish home for the aged. Their efforts were rewarded when the Toronto Jewish Old Folks Home opened downtown on Cecil Street in 1918. The rest is history. Every aspect of Baycrest's remarkable journey and each of its milestones involved the enthusiasm, talents and resources of volunteers. Those first volunteers envisioned a home where our Jewish elderly would be well cared for, fed, and could live the rest of their lives in comfort. Imagine how they would feel if they could see what Baycrest is today – a world leader in geriatric care, research and education. The example they set inspired others to help Baycrest achieve its mission, and as we continue to flourish, volunteers will be there every step of the way. Many roles filled by volunteers in the early years have been assumed by professional staff. Still our volunteers continue in vital support roles across departments, on Boards and committees, as fundraisers and donors, and as innovators who share special skills and experience with patients, residents and staff. Volunteers of all ages, especially our youth volunteers, gain valuable life and job skills and an appreciation for the wisdom of an older generation. Volunteering is associated with reductions in symptoms of depression, better overall health, fewer functional limitations, and greater longevity. The strong and supportive relationship between volunteers and staff is the key to helping Baycrest add life to years, now and in the years to come. Celebrating 20 years of supporting seniors I n 1997, an innovative volunteer program was created to support seniors waiting for admission to the Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged. Staffed by a nurse, social worker and volunteer coordinator, the Seniors Support Program trained volunteers to reach out to isolated seniors through weekly phone calls. This year, the Seniors Support Program is celebrating 20 years of offering socialization, safety and security, structure and a friendly connection to seniors in the community. "My volunteer is such a dear person and I do appreciate her calls," says one client. "She is always so calm and she makes our contact such a nice experience. She listens so well and I don't feel alone." Many volunteers and clients establish close relationships through their weekly calls and now, with new technologies, they can also communicate via email and Skype. For more information about the Seniors Support Program, please call 416-785-2500, ext. 2223 or visit: baycrest.org. To volunteer in this program, contact Volunteer Services at ext. 2572. 3 Janis Sternhill, Director, Volunteer Services Long-time volunteers enjoy participating each week Volunteers from the Seniors Support Program

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