Looking back over the years, it’s clear that The Cedars would not be the thriving community it is today had it not been for our volunteers raising nickels and uniting a strong passion for “change” to support our residents. Today that spirit is fully ignited and contagious as ever, with a diverse variety of volunteers sharing their talents and giving back in unique ways that offer immeasurable returns. Our volunteers continue to be the cornerstone of the compassionate care that we strive for, offering creative approaches that enhance lifestyle choices and honor individuality. It has been said that the heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but instead by the depth of commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. In being of service to others, there’s a sense of strong connection to those around us and in turn we can become inspired by the...
On April 11, Jennifer Butcher, long time volunteer at The Cedars received the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Leading Age Maine/New Hampshire Standing Ovation Award ceremony. Here is what they shared about Jenn. Jennifer first came to The Cedars to visit her grandmother, an Assisted Living resident. It was easy to see that she felt comfortable with and easily related to our residents. Since 2009 and long after her grandmother’s passing, Jennifer has logged over 3/500 hours of service. She has faithfully made the on-hour commute to The Cedars at least two full days each week, and often returns for a third day to support staff vacations. With her natural ability to tune into the needs of others, combined with her understanding of dementia, Jennifer uses humor and warmth to relate to residents. Jennifer is a natural leader, responding to needs as they arise. Form comforting residents...
High school senior, Michael Michaelson, has been volunteering at The Cedars since he was a freshman at Waynflete. His grandmother used to drive him in to teach our residents how to use their ipads and computers. “When I first interviewed him to volunteer, he was delightful, but I never thought someone starting out so young would volunteer for so long,” shares Janine Fifield, Volunteer Services Coordinator. “And I never imagined he’d make such huge contributions to our community!” Janine submitted Michael’s name and story to the President’s Volunteer Service Award and was thrilled to find that he was chosen. Over the years, Michael has helped countless residents at The Atrium and The Osher Inn with their simple and not so simple computer challenges. The residents have come to rely on his expertise and gentle approaches. While showing up every week, Michael has also volunteered with Equality Maine, managed three campaigns for city candidates, and kept his grades in...
The 89 year history of The Cedars as a non-profit is steeped in the tradition of volunteering. In 1927 The Cedars Auxiliary was formed and these dynamic women collected a nickel a week to build The Jewish Home of Aged on Portland’s Munjoy Hill. Today, volunteering at The Cedars is as important – and robust – as ever. The Cedars has over 70 volunteers who give their time to the residents who live here – and last year graciously contributed over 3200 hours! What do these generous men, women and young adults do at The Cedars? Volunteer positions include friendly visitors, activity assistants, pet therapy visitors, helping to facilitate religious services, hospice support, musical entertainers, bridge and cribbage game players, dining assistants, companions, technology tutors and support, book club leaders and more. In addition, our volunteers receive quarterly trainings and gather monthly for group meetings with our Volunteer Coordinator, Janine...
In addition to The Cedars Pet Therapy program, The Skilled Care Center at The Cedars has partnered with another wonderful animal assisted therapy group. Silent Sidekicks is a nonprofit organization located in Lincoln, Maine that provides animal assisted therapy/activities under the services of trained volunteers to communities throughout the State of Maine and the Canadian Province of New Brunswick. Their mission is to enrich people’s lives and promote health and happiness through positive experiences with animals. Silent Sidekicks accomplishes this by providing comfort, support, and companionship through animal assisted therapy and activities as well as by increasing public awareness of the benefits of the human-animal bond. While at The Cedars, the program will include the use of service dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. All of the volunteers with Silent Sidekicks consist of fully trained human and animal teams. As always the presence of animals enhances well-being and provides a very therapeutic relationship...
Looking back over the years, it’s clear that The Cedars would not be the thriving community it is today had it not been for our volunteers raising nickels and uniting a strong passion for “change” to support our residents. Today that spirit is fully ignited and contagious as ever, with a diverse variety of volunteers sharing their talents and giving back in unique ways that offer immeasurable returns. Our volunteers continue to be the cornerstone of the compassionate care that we strive for, offering creative approaches that enhance lifestyle choices and honor individuality. It has been said that the heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but instead by the depth of commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. In being of service to others, there’s a sense of strong connection to those around us and in turn we can become inspired by the...
On April 11, Jennifer Butcher, long time volunteer at The Cedars received the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Leading Age Maine/New Hampshire Standing Ovation Award ceremony. Here is what they shared about Jenn. Jennifer first came to The Cedars to visit her grandmother, an Assisted Living resident. It was easy to see that she felt comfortable with and easily related to our residents. Since 2009 and long after her grandmother’s passing, Jennifer has logged over 3/500 hours of service. She has faithfully made the on-hour commute to The Cedars at least two full days each week, and often returns for a third day to support staff vacations. With her natural ability to tune into the needs of others, combined with her understanding of dementia, Jennifer uses humor and warmth to relate to residents. Jennifer is a natural leader, responding to needs as they arise. Form comforting residents...
High school senior, Michael Michaelson, has been volunteering at The Cedars since he was a freshman at Waynflete. His grandmother used to drive him in to teach our residents how to use their ipads and computers. “When I first interviewed him to volunteer, he was delightful, but I never thought someone starting out so young would volunteer for so long,” shares Janine Fifield, Volunteer Services Coordinator. “And I never imagined he’d make such huge contributions to our community!” Janine submitted Michael’s name and story to the President’s Volunteer Service Award and was thrilled to find that he was chosen. Over the years, Michael has helped countless residents at The Atrium and The Osher Inn with their simple and not so simple computer challenges. The residents have come to rely on his expertise and gentle approaches. While showing up every week, Michael has also volunteered with Equality Maine, managed three campaigns for city candidates, and kept his grades in...
In addition to The Cedars Pet Therapy program, The Skilled Care Center at The Cedars has partnered with another wonderful animal assisted therapy group. Silent Sidekicks is a nonprofit organization located in Lincoln, Maine that provides animal assisted therapy/activities under the services of trained volunteers to communities throughout the State of Maine and the Canadian Province of New Brunswick. Their mission is to enrich people’s lives and promote health and happiness through positive experiences with animals. Silent Sidekicks accomplishes this by providing comfort, support, and companionship through animal assisted therapy and activities as well as by increasing public awareness of the benefits of the human-animal bond. While at The Cedars, the program will include the use of service dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. All of the volunteers with Silent Sidekicks consist of fully trained human and animal teams. As always the presence of animals enhances well-being and provides a very therapeutic relationship...