BOULDER Matters VOLUME 22, NO. 4 • FALL 2012
STORY of Hope
A Perfect Match: A Friendly Visitor Volunteer Finds True Friendship
Lee Hurwit of Boulder, 49,
enjoys volunteering in his community, and was curious about the “Friendly Visitor” volunteer opportunity advertised by Jewish Family Service. Upon inquiring, he learned it would involve a six month commitment and that he’d be matched with someone who shared his interests. “I thought it could be a good fit for me,” says Lee. “I have a place in my heart for older people who are alone.” He appreciates the experience, wisdom, and stories seniors have to share, and thought that a volunteer relationship would also be rewarding for him. He was paired up with Eve Bat Shalom, 84, who had been working with JFS in Boulder for a few months. Her care manager realized that she was very isolated and alone, and was suffering from depression. As it turned out, Eve was quite the lively and adventurous spirit. She loved Lee’s ideas to get out of the house and do things. “During our first meeting, I suggested that Eve make a list of all the things she would like to do,” Lee remembers. “Eve enthusiastically replied, ‘And you do the same!’ It’s just been a complete joy ever since.” All seniors have so much to offer, and Eve is no exception. Her fascinating history goes back to Breslau, Germany (now Poland), where her family managed to escape the Holocaust. In America, she raised a family, studied art and painting, taught violin and piano, and wrote and studied politics and neuroscience. Lee and Eve’s relationship has developed into a real friendship. Lee laughs at how Eve can sometimes treat him like a son, but he says it’s fun. Nearly every weekend they do something
Eve Bat Shalom and Lee Hurwit
interesting and varied, including going to museums, talks, movies, concerts, art shows, and drives in the mountains. Lee reviews editorial articles Eve has written and helps her with math problems. Eve helps Lee improve his understanding of classical music and gives him advice about his business. They both listen to the ups and downs of their weeks. “Our relationship is balanced and reciprocal,” Lee reflects. “We’re friends who happen to have a 43-year age difference. She needs to get out of the house once in a while—and so do I.” The few hours that they spend together each week have transformed Eve’s state of mind. She relishes her time with Lee and enjoys their adventures and conversations. She especially appreciates Lee’s deep knowledge of the Jewish faith. “He has been so instrumental in giving me a deeper Jewish connection,” says Eve. “Lee has been a terrific help to me. I was feeling really quite depressed and since we started our friendship, my mood has changed dramatically. I feel so much better.”