Anne
Frank once wrote, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment
before starting to improve the world.”
Students
at Helensview High School in Portland, OR. not only understand this adage,
they live by it.
Since
2009, Helensview, an engaging environment designed to help students with needs
that have not been met in other educational settings, teamed with Porthaven
Care Center, a 99-bed long term care and rehabilitation center, to create a
volunteer program.
Students
in the volunteer program enjoy playing board games and making crafts with
residents. Recently, the group proposed, developed, and implemented a special
design area in the facility to display resident art projects.
Many
Porthaven residents and Helensview students have developed rewarding
relationships and strong intergenerational bonds.
“Not
only do the students come on their volunteer day, but many found time in their
busy lives as young single parents, working and going to school, to drop in on
the birthday of their ‘buddy’ and surprise them with a card or balloon,” said
Sarah Murk, administrator at Porthaven Care Center, in her nomination of the
group. “One student organized a birthday party for a resident who was in
hospice care. The resident described the day as his ‘best birthday ever.’”
Porthaven
staff has noticed that Helensview students have assisted in improving resident
behaviors, as well.
“One
resident said, ‘These kids are so special, and they treat me like I am
special,’” said Jodi Burroughs, activities director at Porthaven, in her
nomination. “This resident has developmental disabilities and a serious seizure
disorder, which presented some challenges. After he began participating in
activities with [the students], he not only developed confidence in himself,
but his behaviors improved!”
Currently,
the Helensview program has a lengthy student waiting list.
“It’s
so exciting to watch our student volunteers connect with Porthaven residents,”
said Kris Persson, principal at Helensview High School. “We hope that this
program inspires students to continue volunteering throughout their lifetimes.”