W I T H H A V O C OC

seeing “the community in the Hope House and how friendly everyone is.”

Preswick Glen Retirement Community:

In New Hartford, sophomore Niamh McDade Clay volunteers with the Preswick Glen Retirement Community. There, she socializes with the residents and assists with weekly bingo games—as well as other one-time events. To Clay, whose grandfather was in assisted living during her childhood, working with Preswick allows her to “give back to the community and people in similar situations to the one my grandfather was in” while “learning from residents and their life stories.” She even talks with Jay Williams ‘54—a retired Hamilton Professor!

Brookdale Senior Living: HAVOC works closely with Clinton’s Brookdale Senior Living, a care center that provides different senior services ranging from assisted Living to at-home-care. Hamilton volunteers visit Brookdale weekly and work closely with residents in the Memory Care and Independent Living units. Volunteer activities include bowling, knitting, crocheting, and dominos, with an emphasis on conversing with the residents. Freshman Drea Hacker describes her rewarding experience volunteering: “I enjoy working at Brookdale because it is fulfilling to connect and interact with the residents. It is always so nice to make jokes, complete activities, and form relations with them.”

According to Amy James, HAVOC members are “generous with their time, curious about others, and open to new experiences,” and “understand that volunteering can contribute positively to their own sense of well-being.” So, if that’s you and you’re looking to make a positive impact on the local community, volunteering with HAVOC is the place for you!