Two years of Saturdays together has formed a special bond

Daina Majewski admits that her volunteer experience with Community Caregivers isn’t for everyone. She spends time with her client mostly on Saturdays. 
And that’s by mutual agreement.

Daina helps in lots of ways. Taking her to visit relatives, going for coffee or lunch, making beds, doing some gardening, even shampooing a carpet here and there are some of what Daina does. Community Caregivers didn’t assign all that, of course.

An employee of the State Employees Federal Credit Union, Daina had her orientation on site. SEFCU is one of a growing number of employers that value volunteerism so much they give their employees work time off.

Daina, however, chooses to do Saturdays. And Daina chooses to get more involved than most volunteers do, and probably clients as well.  But for this pair, the relationship works.

When Daina first started with Caregivers, she had some natural questions: “Is it going to work? Will they like me?”

She added, “You have to break the ice. It’s important to have a connection.”

This volunteer and her “friend” have been together since 2013 with one break when Daina had a surgery.

Other advice Daina has for potential volunteers is, “Be clear about what you’re willing to do, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.” 

Linda Miller, Caregivers’ Outreach and Education coordinator, and Mary Morrison, the Volunteer/Client coordinator, are more than willing to answer questions to help a volunteer feel comfortable. Essential information is always provided.

There are two orientations left in 2014:  Dec. 7 and 17. Watch the paper for 2016 dates.

You can, however, always call to schedule a private meeting if that’s what works best for you. At this time of year, the volunteer pool dwindles some because people go on vacation. There’s always a need for new volunteers. Keep the pool healthy.

Why not give yourself a gift this year that helping a neighbor gives. Or, make volunteering for Community Caregivers a New Year’s resolution.

Location: