2008 Woodie Awards
CAVE volunteers bring young blood, love to elderly community
By: Jessica Rhynalds
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: Features
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Ally Bokesch, group leader, recognizes the difference this program makes in the lives of the elderly.
"When people our age come in just to spend an hour or so with them it makes their day," Bokesch said.
With only six people signing up to volunteer at the beginning the semester, Bokesch was worried about not having enough turnout, she said.
Now there are 31 volunteers in Senior Circle and the growing amount of people willing to donate time has helped seniors and students alike, she said.
"My adopted grandfather has a picture of me in his room and introduces me as his grandchild," Bokesch said. "He has really changed my life."
Margie Davis, 83, is a Sacramento native who has had two adoptive granddaughters through CAVE.
"They are very sweet to me," Davis said.
A self-proclaimed, "people person" Davis sees the value in the interaction of different generations, she said.
"You can learn from all generations," Davis said.
She and her CAVE volunteers do activities such as playing card games and dice, she said. The interaction is beneficial and entertaining.
Having "young blood" around and meeting new people is something Davis enjoys, she said.
"They help keep your mind busy and that's good," Davis said.
Ann Schwab, CAVE program manager, oversees adult programs such as Adopted Grandparent, Senior Circle and Adult Literacy.
CAVE has been in effect at the university for decades, and adult programs such as Senior Circle started in the early 1970s, she said.
They are great for pre-nursing, gerontology and social work majors.
CAVE visits three adult living facilities in the area: WindChime of Chico, Courtyard at Little Chico Creek and Roseleaf Care Homes, Schwab said.
Senior Circle is a program that creates an environment for students to interact socially through activities such as bingo, story telling, card games and even musical entertainment, according to a CAVE handout.
Each volunteer does 30 to 60 hours a semester, just like a class, Schwab said. This program is good for anyone interested in volunteering who may get along better with adults than children or for anyone who misses their own grandparent.
"Every volunteer has their own reason for getting involved," Schwab said.
Shar Plowman, the activities director at WindChime refers to CAVE volunteers as a "total asset," she said.
"They help me keep everyone busy," Plowman said. "The residents get exhausted sometimes, but if we weren't doing this they would be bored."
Senior Circle has supported and connected with the residents, she said. It is a positive program, which is needed in the community.
Some of the seniors just need help writing letters, and some just want to tell someone what they did with their lives, Plowman said.
WindChime is looking forward to its 1950s-style talent show happening the second weekend in November, she said.
"We would love some acts that sing, dance and are outrageous and funny," Plowman said.
Humor and positivity are assets to many of the activities seniors do with CAVE volunteers.
The Senior Circle program is one of Plowman's favorite programs, she said. After decades of helping the community, CAVE is making another difference in the immediate community.
Bokesch is fond of working with seniors, she said.
"I know so many lovable senior citizens that would be so excited and grateful for the visitors," Bokesch said. "We both get life lessons through love."
Jessica Rhynalds can be reached at
jrhynalds@theorion.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Rich
posted 10/03/08 @ 9:59 AM PST
Terrific story. As an alumnist, this is the Chico State I remember. Students making a difference in the community, helping others. Jessica, other's on the Orion staff spend thier time thinking about anal sex, and writing goofball columns designed to shock and gross everybody out, but you're doing real journalism here. (Continued…)
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