01/26/2017
Contact Richard C. Rosenblum
Telephone 561-734-4059
Cell 954-598-5469
Email [email protected]
Website www.chabaddelray.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2017
SMILE ON SENIORS
“Bringing a moment of joy to the life of a senior”
CHABAD OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA
Chabad of Delray Beach is proud to announce the launching of their new outreach program, SMILES ON SENIORS.
Often, it takes just minutes to change a person’s entire week.
Smile On Seniors is a unique volunteer program, created to enhance the lives of local seniors. Many of us have parents or family who are seniors, living alone or in senior facilities, that would greatly benefit from an extra visit from someone who isn’t family. Family cannot always visit as often as desired, and not always is there someone else to supplement those visits. And that’s where Smile On Seniors steps in. SOS matches local volunteers with local seniors for a weekly visit, bringing joy and a sense of caring to many. With your help, SOS soon hopes to match a volunteer with every Jewish senior!
The Program
Smile on Seniors is an innovative program that aims to meet the needs of the seniors within our community by connecting them with willing and capable volunteers. It has been proven time and time again that consistent human interactions can greatly impact the quality of life of the aged, and those who interact with seniors are in the position to accomplish a tremendous amount.
Our Activities
SOS is designed to enable seniors to develop intimate on-going relationships with volunteers. As part of the program, volunteers share Torah thoughts, stories, or relevant information about upcoming Jewish holidays. The time spent with the seniors will be utilized to its utmost so that they are able to benefit from and enjoy it as much as possible.
Consistency
A major goal of the Smile on Seniors program is to train volunteers that are interested in developing a long term relationship with their senior. Anticipating future visits with an SOS volunteer can help seniors maintain a more positive outlook; therefore, consistency is a crucial key to a relationship that is beneficial for the senior.
Rabbi Sholom Korf realized that there was a unique opportunity for Chabad of Delray Beach to provide a much needed service to our community. Our area has a large senior population that can benefit from this outreach program. Rabbi Korf said: “For many seniors, the feeling of being left alone is something that can be extremely painful, and no senior should ever have to experience. Our program will provide weekly contact with one of our volunteers, who will bring some sunshine into a lonely life.”
Rabbi Korf further stated: “The aim of our program is to visit seniors where they live, be it alone in an apartment or home, as well as those who reside in Senior independent and assisted living facilities. Helping to put a smile on someone’s face is one of the greatest Mitzvah’s we can perform.”
Beatriz Cymberknopf, M.A; M.P.A; CBT is serving as the volunteer Coordinator. In conjunction with her role as a legacy navigator, coach, and outreach facilitator, she is in a unique position to recruit and train volunteers for this program. Beatriz recently stated: “A person does not have to belong to Chabad to volunteer this program. All it takes is a willingness to bring joy into the life of a senior, and a commitment of their time to a regular schedule, which our Seniors will come to rely on. “
Stuart Kranson, the SOS Program Coordinator for Chabad of Delray Beach remarked on how the program works. “Once a person becomes a volunteer, we will provide the necessary training and materials necessary to help them be an effective ambassador of joy to a senior. Seniors do not need to be a member of Chabad. This program serves the needs of all seniors in our Community.”
Mr. Kranson went on to say that “Smiles on Seniors” would like to be informed of any local seniors in need of regular visits. If you know someone who does not have regular contact with friends or family and is not able to get out into the community, we will arrange for regular visits that will bring a moment of joy to their lives.”
The program website is www.Chabadofdelray.com/SOS
For more information or to enquire about visitations for a senior, please call Rabbi Korf Chabad of Delray Beach at 561-843-6518, Ext. 1.
