Youth from Kelly Gelinas’s sixth-grade class spent a half-day going door to door and bringing smiles to the faces of Fairhaven residents. They also visited with staff and learned about the growing need for nurses and nursing assistants in Wyandot County and around the country.
The Day of Service was in remembrance of Robert Lee, a longtime volunteer and supporter of United Church Homes and Fairhaven Community. Lee was a Board of Directors member for the nonprofit, faith-based senior services organization based in Marion at the time of his unexpected death Oct. 13.
The USMS youth extended the spirit of Lee’s giving with the Day of Service at Fairhaven. They visited one-on-one and in groups with Fairhaven residents, many of whom shared their joy with the students for taking the time to visit and learn about their lives.
Fairhaven staff worked with students and encouraged them to ask questions of the residents. They asked about careers, the proudest moment of each resident’s life and what they like about living at Fairhaven.
“We want local youth to know that they can come through our front doors and spend time with residents,” said Becky Johnson Blocksom, community engagement coordinator. “There are lots of volunteer opportunities at Fairhaven for people of all ages and abilities. The folks who live at Fairhaven are gold nuggets of love, stories, experience and life lessons. Every young person I know needs to have this experience.”
To learn more about the volunteer program at Fairhaven, call Johnson Blocksom at 419.294.4973. For more information about United Church Homes, visit unitedchurchhomes.org.
###
About United Church Homes: United Church Homes, based in Marion, Ohio, has been “Celebrating the Spirit” of seniors for more than a century. The nonprofit, faith-based organization is one of the nation’s largest providers of senior living services, with more than 1,800 dedicated staff serving 4,700 residents of all faiths in 72 senior living communities throughout 14 states and two Native American nations. UCH is in covenant with the United Church of Christ and welcomes residents of all faiths.