For years, Handmaker has been fortunate to have an extensive roster of dedicated volunteers. They come to spend time with residents, play games, assist attendees during Shabbat services, and most importantly, build meaningful connections and friendships. Following the pandemic, Handmaker was grateful to welcome back many familiar faces, including Renee and Sandy.
On the first and third Thursday mornings of every month, Renee can be found surrounded by residents in the living room of Rubin Assisted Living. Some are waiting for help with their needlework projects, while others simply come to socialize. But they are all there because of Renee. For more than five years, she has patiently guided residents with their knitting, crocheting, and other needlework projects, creating a warm and welcoming gathering that everyone looks forward to.
Sandy has been leading a book club at Handmaker for more than 10 years, beginning when her cousin, Carol, lived here. She thoughtfully selects books from a variety of genres that appeal to the group and has developed a loyal following. The club meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month to discuss their current selection and receive their next reading assignment. While some residents can’t help but read ahead and others may not have time to complete the assigned chapters, Sandy always finds a way to keep the conversations lively and ensure that everyone feels included.
As the pandemic subsided, additional volunteers slowly joined the ranks, including Monica, Rochelle, Larry, Deborah, and George. However, new regulations implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the State of Arizona to protect residents have made it more challenging to recruit and retain volunteers.
Monica is a familiar face to many as one of Handmaker’s former front desk receptionists. After retiring in 2021, she graciously agreed to return as a volunteer during the winter months. She accompanies Rubin Assisted Living residents on many of their Out and About excursions and assists at numerous Jewish holiday meals, where residents and staff are always delighted to see her.
Deborah is another wonderful volunteer who began her journey at Handmaker as a receptionist. For the past several years, she has visited residents in our skilled nursing neighborhoods each week, offering companionship and a compassionate listening ear. We are grateful for the kindness and comfort she brings to so many.
Larry volunteers weekly at Torah Study and every other week plays games with residents alongside George. He also occasionally joins Out and About trips, lends a helping hand during the High Holidays, and assists on Shabbat. Larry has often shared that when he leaves Handmaker after volunteering, he feels invigorated rather than exhausted. He loves getting to know the residents and has enough shpilkes — restless energy — that he simply can’t help but help.
Every Friday morning, a group of Handmaker residents gathers in the Rubin Café to play mah jongg. While the skill and experience levels of the players vary, the level of fun is consistently high, thanks to the excellent and patient guidance of volunteer Rochelle. She keeps everyone laughing and learning. Although the group isn’t particularly competitive, every player enjoys getting “mah jongg!” from time to time. Playing together provides social and mental stimulation while keeping cherished memories of past players alive.
Recognizing the importance of volunteers at Handmaker, Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona recently awarded Handmaker a grant to help rebuild and grow our volunteer program. The funding covers the cost of Arizona fingerprint clearance cards and background checks, making it easier for new volunteers to get started. The volunteer numbers are already beginning to grow.
Abbie has become a beloved volunteer at Handmaker’s Friday evening Shabbat dinners over the past year. She helps residents get to and from dinner and brings warmth and ruach (spirit) to every gathering. Former activity assistant Nahid has also recently returned to Handmaker as a volunteer, helping residents get to and from the beauty salon each week. She is grateful to reconnect with longtime friends and residents she has known and cared for over the years.
Handmaker residents are wonderful to talk with and spend time with — and they love having visitors. Visitors with sociable puppies are also welcome!
If you are interested in volunteering and can commit to just four hours each month, please complete a volunteer interest form at Handmaker.org or contact Nanci Levy at [email protected] to learn more.
