Volunteer of the Month
Archives

October 2021
Don Harper

Photo of Don Harper

This month we’d like to shine the light on Don Harper is one of our longtime Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) drivers. Don has been a member for about 7 ½ years, and has been driving for 5 ½ years. During that time he has become one of our go-to drivers driving multiple times a week, and sometimes several trips in one day. He first heard about the center from his mother-in-law, who is a Wii Bowler. She got him a membership and he came and joined the Wii Bowling league. He then remembered then Outreach Director, Holly Andrade, talking about TAP and how they needed drivers. He gave it a test drive, enjoyed it and has been doing it ever since. He loves driving, and loves the people. He thinks of this as his job, but a job he enjoys. The clients love him too and has clients who ask for him. Originally from Fort Worth, TX, his mom brought him out here when he was two. He inched his way over from Blythe, to Beaumont, to Highland. We are thankful that his travels brought him closer to us. Thanks Don for driving that extra mile for us!

Featured Class

Navigating the Next Chapter - Making the Most of Life
Date: September 15, 2021
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 am
Length: 8 Weeks
Cost: $8 members
      $8 non-members
Instructor: Janet Egan
Location: Game Room
Description: This month we’d shine the light on our newest class, Navigating the Next Chapter: Making the Most of Life. The class focuses on how to adjust to retirement. Specifically, how to live your best life at this time. This is not just a Covid thing, but for anytime. For this session, the class is divided into: Getting to Know Each Other, Finding Fun/Leisure, Life Balance, Working Life, Changes, Giving and Receiving, Resource Day, ad Summary and Action Plan. Each session may change depending on the needs of the students. The class is taught by Janet Egan, a retired San Bernardino County Social Worker. This class is second nature to her as she had a career of doing trainings. Classes are held on Wednesdays from 10:00 – 11:30 am. The session is just about over, but will start up again in the new year.

Featured Activity

Friendly Visitor and Phone Pal
Time: Dailys
Cost: members
       non-members
Location:
Description: This month we'd like to shine the light on two programs that not only help out those who participate, but the people they help out as well: The Friendly Visitor, and Phone Pal programs. The Friendly Visitor Program is a free program designed for those who have trouble getting out of the house on their own, to make friends and maintain social interaction. We have volunteers who go and visit people in their own homes and let them know that someone does care about them. Sometimes the two will simply talk or play a game of cards. Other times they will go out to lunch or a movie. The level of interaction depends on them. Our Phone Pal Program is similar to the Friendly Visitor Program, but is more designed for those who don't want or need someone to come over to their house. They are happy with a simple phone call. Some enjoy long conversations, while others just want someone to check in on them once a week. This program has come in handy several times when a senior could not be contacted by phone. The Phone Pal volunteer either went over to the house or contacted us with their concern and we went over. On a few occasions we discover that the person had fallen and injured themselves, and had this program not been in place, might have died. If you would like to be a part in volunteering in these programs, or if you could benefit from any of these programs, or if you know of someone who could, please feel free to contact us at (909)862-8104 and ask for the Outreach Office.
Support Groups for Cancer and Alzheimers
By: Mike Sylva
Even though the holidays are over, the stress of the holidays (when the bills arrive) will linger for awhile more. The stress is bad enough, but imagine if you or someone you love is suffering from cancer or Alzheimer’s. At the Highland Senior Center we are ready to lend a helping hand. We have two support groups that meet once a month.

The Alzheimer’s support group meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 10:30 am, while the Cancer support group meets on the 1st Monday of every month at 2:00 p.m. Don’t go through this alone. Stress is high enough at this time. Get the support you need to help you get through this difficult time. For more information call us at the Highland Senior Center at 909-862-8104.