17 years ago, I was a full time volunteer. I was about to graduate college, and I had a decision to make. I could attempt to take my English, Creative Writing degree and enter the workforce. The challenge was in what capacity. I didn't have any teaching experience, so the only jobs I was being offered were in commission only insurance sales. I found out about the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, and as they say, the rest was history.
Being part of a community, learning to live to help others, enriching the lives of others and myself were something I was proud of. I've lost touch with that. While I am active in my church, serving as a lector and as a newly appointed member of our Parish Council, I don't really have a cause.
In a couple of weeks, I will join Cyndi and the kids at the Kenneth Young Center Annual Awards Dinner. I've missed it the last couple of years; especially regretful to miss last year because they each received their five year recognition. This year, the three of them will be celebrating six years of service in the Meals on Wheels program. Every other week or so, Cyndi and the kids deliver lunch to home bound seniors. They love the interaction, and everyone is better because of it. I'm proud of them that they have this spirit I once had. The spirit I miss.
I have been at a conference for the past couple of days. It's called the Pioneer Network Conference. Their mission is to provide person centered care primarily in the nursing home industry. The group fights to bring dignity and human compassion to the care of older adults. Today, I sat in on the opening session.
We heard from the lady who started the Network, who is retired herself, but cares so much about making sure the nursing home population is served. We heard from a retired psychologist, diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease many years ago, and a strong advocate for this growing population. And we heard from Lisa Nigro.
Lisa was a Chicago Police Officer. In 1989, with her nephew's red Radio Flyer wagon, she started the Inspiration Cafe, delivering bagels and coffee to the homeless. We watched the following clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3AOzj7mVNQ and then she walked on stage with the red wagon in tow. Lisa was inspirational. Lisa reminded me of what I used to be like. How passionate I once was. How committed I was to others and to volunteering. Lisa gave me inspiration to be better and to bring this BETTER to my family.
After we get a chance to look into this more, Cyndi, the kids, and I are going to click the following link http://inspirationcorp.org/support/support_volunteer.html. If you are interested in joining us, let me know.
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