Spring 2017
SHOLOM FOUNDATION Our mission is to raise sufficient endowment and annual funds to generate financial support for Sholom services and facilities; and to promote excellence in care to those served by Sholom for generations to come. SHOLOM For over 100 years, providing a broad continuum of residential, social, and health care services primarily for older adults and within a Jewish environment. SHOLOM AUXILIARY For added comfort and care of those served by Sholom.
This issue is dedicated to all the devoted volunteers who make such a difference at Sholom. For a listing of all donations, see pages 10–19.
Cups, Fried Eggs, and Unexpected Friendships...Wise and compassionate words from a young volunteer
M
adison Danovsky has been volunteering in memory care for four years now. At seventeen, a seasoned volunteer, Madison runs the weekly Thursday night bingo program at the Hodroff Memory Care Pavilion. She has met and established a special kind of friendship with many residents over the years, getting to know each resident, renewing friendships every week and sadly, losing many of these friends along the way. Madison, a high school senior, has written about her experiences working with Madison with Cece, one of her many our seniors at Sholom for a scholarship friends at Sholom application. An astute young woman who is wise beyond her years, Madison writes about her Sholom friends with compassion and love. These are some of her experiences. “Some of my longest friendships have to be remade every week.” She sits in her wheelchair staring off into the middle of the room, and groaning. “Oh, oh, oh,” as if the sound of her voice is the only thing keeping her anchored to the world around her. I walk through the circle of snoozing figures in the living continued on page 3
“Care Comes First” at Sholom
W
e have an exciting story of joy to share with you— Millie! She is a vivacious, 101-year-old woman who lives at Sholom Home West and, in spite of her wheelchair, was thrilled to dance at our KAIROS Alive Music & Dance program. I had the privilege to be a dance partner with our ladies and gentlemen who were dancing on their feet, in Barbara Klick, RN, MBA, Sholom CEO their wheelchairs, in their seats, or with their walkers. We all enjoyed ourselves and Millie was positively glowing! She grabbed the microphone multiple times to tell everyone she is 101 and she loves dancing! This is the best news we can report! continued on page 4