Caring Neighborhoods Volunteer Stories and Projects

Youth volunteers made a difference in the life of a local senior as part of the first "Adopt-A-Senior" project, a community service endeavor between Caring Neighborhoods and the W.I.A. Youth Program-a job training and mentoring program for low-income students also sponsored by the City of Sacramento.

Volunteers worked together to paint the home of Mrs. B., a Tahoe Park senior who is raising her young granddaughters all alone. Participants added a new coat of paint to the 80-year old house after removing excess debris and chipped paint. Upon seeing her freshly painted home, Mrs. B. said, "I was so amazed that I just sat on my steps and cried."

Adopt-A-Senior is an ongoing project providing outdoor home repairs and/or yard work to frail or low-income seniors. By assisting with tasks such as cleaning rain gutters and removing yard debris, youth volunteers can help elderly residents to live safely and independently in their own homes.

The project was created after W.I.A. youth wished to help the elderly, but did not know how to make a difference. Neighbors nominated seniors for the project, and after careful consideration, the one most in need was chosen.

Many thanks to Rebuilding Together, the Rancho Cordova Wal-Mart, and David Gray for the donation of painting materials. THANK YOU ADOPT-A-SENIOR volunteers for making a difference in the life of a special senior!

If you would like to nominate a senior for upcoming Adopt-A-Senior projects, please contact (916) 566-1594 or tgray@cityofsacramento.org.

Super Volunteer Spotlight

Robert Herndon is a special Caring Neighbor from Regency Place, a senior community in South Sacramento. Robert's magnetic personality, cheerful smile, and willingness to offer a helping hand to neighborhood seniors is helping to make Regency Place a safe and pleasant community for neighbors.

Regency Place is a unique neighborhood, as all neighbors are seniors. A senior himself, Robert is captain of the Neighborhood Watch and a former volunteer with the Sacramento Police Department. He has made neighborhood safety a number one priority so that his elderly neighbors may live safely and independently in their own homes.

Informing neighbors about the dangers in their neighborhood and how to protect themselves and their homes against crime and checking on neighbors to see if they need any help, Robert is making a difference for many seniors. He has even improved neighborhood street safety for elderly pedestrians by fighting against unsafe drivers and speeding cars. Robert goes above and beyond the call of duty to make Regency Place safe and secure.

Neighbors describe Robert as a jewel in their community, as he is committed to improving the quality of life for senior neighbors. He is always ready and willing to help neighbors in any way that he can, even while providing care for his wife with poor health and his elderly mother until her passing away. THANK YOU, ROBERT for making a difference in your community!

Super Volunteer Spotlight

Christina Cordova and Pablo Ganes are dynamite neighbors from the Lawrence Park neighborhood in South Sacramento. Through their heartfelt support and extraordinary willingness to help an elderly neighbor and her son, they are making a world of difference in the lives of one neighborhood family!

Christina and Pablo are neighbors of Mrs.K. and her son, Gene. After suffering a debilitating stroke, Mrs. K. lost her ability to walk, became extremely vulnerable to falling injuries, and required constant care. Gene became her full-time caregiver, in addition to working and being active in the community, so that Mrs. K. could remain living in her own home. Acting as Caring Neighbors, Christina and Pablo pitched in and continue to be a tremendous support for Mrs. K. and Gene.

Christina and Pablo have been a lifesaver for Gene, checking regularly to see if there is anything they can do to help and visiting with Mrs. K. while Gene runs errands or goes to work. After working long days out of town, Christina reads to Mrs. K., picks up needed items from the store, prepares some meals, and acts in many other kind ways. Mrs. K.'s frailties prevent Gene from taking her outside alone, so Pablo assists with physical therapy exercises, and transporting her to doctor appointments, on short trips around town, and outside for a breath of fresh air. Their support to Gene allows Mrs. K. to stay out and about in spite of her difficulties.

Christina and Pablo, THANK YOU for offering a helping hand to an elderly neighbor and a caregiver, and for making your neighborhood a better place to live!

Super Volunteer Spotlight

Michael Marsden is a very special neighbor from the Sunrise Ranch Neighborhood Association in Area 6 of Citrus Heights. Through small acts of kindness and organization of a neighborly project, he is making a BIG difference in the life of an elderly neighbor, as well as in his entire neighborhood.

Michael and Mrs. S. have been neighbors for 26 years. Mrs. S., an elderly lady, has always shared her friendly smile with others. After being widowed last year and experiencing poor health, she has not been able to keep up with the maintenance of her aging home, and must rely on relatives and friends, such as Michael, to assist with repairs.

The paint on Mrs. S.' home was deteriorating and in need of repair, and Michael wanted to help. He contacted the Caring Neighborhoods Program, which facilitated a donation of paint and materials from Rebuilding Together. Then, AIM Real Estate Sales and Loans in Citrus Heights sent their repair technician to paint Mrs. S.' house. Her home looks as good as new, and she was very grateful for the helping hand. Thank you, Michael, for your hard work and in making a difference in YOUR neighborhood!

Super Volunteer Spotlight

Lynne Halsted is a very special neighbor from Land Park. After a senior neighbor broke her leg, Lynne stepped in to offer a helping hand. By assisting an elderly neighbor in living independently at home, Lynne made a BIG difference in the life of a senior and in her neighborhood.

Mrs. Anderson, an elderly resident of Land Park, has been a gardener for most of her life. Taking great enjoyment in her yard work, Mrs. Anderson hand watered her plants, flowers, and lawn daily for many years. Unfortunately, she was no longer able to tend to her yard.

When Lynne heard of this, she was ready to help in any way possible. After a long day at work, Lynne watered Mrs. Anderson's lawn, plants, and flowers so that her yard would stay as beautiful as it had always been. Especially during the hot months, Lynne visited Mrs. Anderson and watered her plants nearly every day. Thank you, Lynne, for your hard work and in making a difference in YOUR neighborhood!