FROM MEMBERS

• "I was taken for a routine procedure appointment by a Senior Village volunteer, and when the doctor saw me he called for an ambulance to take me to the hospital for surgery. The doctor brought the volunteer in to tell her she could go home since I was going to the hospital. I told the doctor and the volunteer I couldn't have surgery until I spoke to my family, even though it was an emergency situation. I didn't have my cell phone with me since I thought it was just a routine appointment. The senior Village volunteer called the Senior Village office to see if my son's name was on file with my member paperwork, and it was. The Executive Director for Senior Village called my son and told him the situation and gave him the doctor's phone number. My son was then able to talk directly to the doctor. He called me at the hospital and was able to speak to me before I approved the surgery. Senior Village went beyond anything I could have imagined, and I will be forever grateful for what they did for me! I am happy that Senior Village continues to help the residents of SaddleBrooke." - CM
• "We are beyond grateful for all of your help organizing bill paying and legal documents for my dat (just in time! The Forms & Documents team truly saved us!" - K.Z.

• “I cannot thank you enough for getting me through this past year since my husband passed away after 68 years of marriage. You have all given me such wonderful support, and those lovely surprises through the year kept me going. How fortunate we are in SaddleBrooke to have such kind and helpful volunteers right here and just a phone call away. Not only were the initial visits very helpful but having help throughout the year for tasks I wasn’t able to do myself, such as installing a new computer and printer and advice on getting my changed life together were all extremely valuable. How very fortunate we are here in SaddleBrooke to have all of these wonderful people who unselfishly volunteer their time to help others in need. You are much appreciated. Again...many, many thanks!” —E.F.

• The Vaccines:  "Wow, what a great job you've done! Thank you. This morning I saw you'll be opening to 1-B2 soon and was thrilled! ... most of us have been patiently waiting our turn. Y'all deserve huge thanks. Best to all of you who have participated in this." (KC)

• "A brief note to thank you for sending me the lovely birthday card with a personal handwritten note from you and Senior Village.  Birthdays and holidays can be especially lonely and your efforts to stay in touch with all Senior Village members are so very much appreciated."  (JN)

• "One of the main reasons we moved to SaddleBrooke was because we found out about all the services provided by this nonprofit organization.  Our daughters, who live in other states, were relieved to know this help would be available to us." (RC)

• "Just want to thank you and the other volunteers who did the birthday do today. It really was very special, and all the effort that went into it was surprising. Most of all, it was surprising to even be given gifts. That was special. While I am blessed now with a loving husband who treats birthdays like it is Christmas, there were times in the past when I was alone on birthdays and had no gift. I can imagine there might have been one or more people in that room today or at the other birthday lunches that have no one in their lives giving them a birthday gift. It was also fun to get to know three new people, and especially fun for my husband to have someone to speak Spanish with him. It is a passion of his life, and before another member sat down, I could tell that he felt sort of 'I wish I were home.' " (PS)

• "We wish to thank the Village very much for the wonderful basket we found at our door this evening. At this stage of our life, these little things mean a lot." (F&P H)

• "I wanted to express my gratitude to the Village for the wonderful, thorough and completed job that Helping Hands did for me. The Volunteers came to my home exactly on time to turn my mattress and install a new kitchen TV. They were so thorough, efficient, friendly and completed the job checking the work. I so appreciate the service since they saved me $200 for what I would have been charged by Best Buy. We are very fortunate to have the Village with volunteers who give of their talents and time with a smile, great spirit." (EG)

• "I just wanted to thank everyone involved in putting together the June 2019 birthday luncheon. It was my first time at this event and I was really impressed with the get-together. Thanks to all - it was obvious that everyone was enjoying themselves. Please pass on to all involved my appreciation for all of the work that went into the event." (DZ)

• "I just finished three loads of wash, made the bed and have done some sketching while [my husband] was gone for his blood test. Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me my life back. I can never repay [your volunteer] and Senior Village." (PL)

• "I called Senior Village recently to see if you had a volunteer who could straighten out the mess with my garage door openers. This involved 2 outside key pads and 2 remotes. [Your volunteer] was here yesterday and what he did exceeded all expectations. First, he got the remotes working as they should. When it came to the outside key pads he had a problem because they are old and I had no operating manual to help him. At that point I resigned myself to the fact that we would have to make do with just the inside key pads. That would have been OK. But, unknown to me at the time, [your volunteer] went home and was able to find instructions for the old key pads on the internet. He came back in an hour or so and now the whole system works like new. That was great service. My sincere thanks to [your volunteer] and Senior Village. We are so happy that we became members. Thanks again." (G&L B)

• "Senior Village makes life easier.  You can get help when you need it. The volunteers are very friendly and respond immediately.  Every single person who has come has been helpful and effective.  I really like the people.  When we meet, we have a good time. One day you will need them, and they will be there for you.” (DV)

• "Senior Village makes it possible to stay in my home.  I know where all the switches are.  I can do my cooking.  I think my daughter was relieved, too, when I found Senior Village. They take good care of me.  I feel guilty sometimes.  I’m not used to being waited on.  I used to do all that myself.  The volunteers call me by my first name.  It makes me feel like we’re friends and they know me.  I enjoy the company of the drivers.  I’m so happy to have someone to talk to.  I get lonely." (LW)

From Volunteers 

• JoAnn Wilbour, pianist for the Senior Village Music Matinees, commented that she enjoyed playing for everyone, and it did not matter to her if one person or 100 showed up if it was enjoyed. At the November 21st matinee, one fellow with a severe crippling health issue attended, and she saw him crying as she was playing. He told her afterwards that the music touched his heart and brought back happy memories. 

  Another time when JoAnn was practicing, a man was watching her from the background. When she finished, he tried to give her a tip. He was insistent, and she declined telling him she was volunteering for Senior Village…playing for people not for money. He said his father recently died and some of the songs she was playing were loved by his father.

  Music inspires happy feelings and memories, and Senior Village will continue bringing Music Matinees to the residents of SaddleBrooke!

• "Driving for Senior Village has been the most personally rewarding experience of any volunteer work that I have done."    (JB)

• "I like keeping busy ... my motto if I can't fix it, then call a pro. I am paying it forward, someday I may need Senior Village to help me."  (DG)

• “The best job is the one you don’t get paid for.  I was so glad when the Village got started because this is what I’ve been looking for. I love hearing the stories people tell about their lives.  Their eyes light up and they get excited when telling their stories.  A driver needs to be a good listener as long as it doesn’t interfere with driving."

• "People have a sense that they don’t want to bother their neighbors.  I just want people to know that this is what we want to do.  We’re here because we want to help somebody, and it’s their turn to be helped." "I want to ‘Pay It Forward’, like in the movie.  Someday I will need these services.  Now it’s my turn to help.  I make time for the things I want to do, and driving for Senior Village is what I want to do.  It is truly a delightful experience.” (JB)

• “The best aspect about being on the dispatch team is helping members connect with volunteers who can meet their needs. I also like paying it forward so that, when the time comes, that I need Senior Village services, I can get the help and support I need.” (SC)

• “My volunteer experience with Senior Village is fulfilling in so many ways. I am proud to be part of an organization that helps people live their lives at home, with a little help from volunteers.  It's a small thing we do and the results are big for the members we help.  If you want a smile on your face and a happy feeling in your heart, I invite you to become a volunteer for Senior Village.” (JS)