Event

Volunteer Appreciation Reception and Resident Art Show

Wednesday, April 13, 2011 • 6:30 pm - 7:30pm • 25 Ruggles Street, Roxbury, MA

Join us as we celebrate twenty years of Hearth,
the invaluable contributions of our volunteers,
and the creative spirit of our residents!
 

2011 Outstanding Service Awards

Corporate Partner: Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA - Medicare Markets Operations

Last year members of Medicare Markets Operations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA stepped up to bring joy to Hearth's residents during the holiday season by "adopted" two of Hearth's residences, The Burroughs Street House in Jamaica Plain and Uphams Corner Elder House in Dorchester. The BCBS employees collected "wish lists" from each resident, shopped for gifts, and wrapped and delivered the presents in time for the residents' holiday parties. The BCBS employees also donated cookies, brownies, hot chocolate, apple cider and tea for the parties. In addition, BCBS also made a lasagna dinner for the residents of Ruth Cowin House in Brookline to enjoy on Christmas Day.

Community Partners: the ARISE Group at St. Julia Parish in Weston and Newton Country Day School

This year Hearth is recognizing two community groups. Members of St. Julia Parish created and sold a cookbook, Food for the Body and Soul, to benefit Hearth. The ARISE group took every opportunity to sell the cookbooks and tell people about Hearth and our mission. Over the course of six months, the group sold nearly 1000 copies of the book and raised over $13,000 for Hearth.

In the fall, a group of students from Newton Country Day School came to the Anna Bissonnette House to personally invite residents to their school for lunch and activities, and four visits have taken place so far. The School provides a bus to bring residents to and from the school, and the students, with help from faculty and staff including Assistant Head of the Upper School Nicki Noel, prepare and serve delicious lunches, including dishes such as meatloaf, lasagna, baked chicken, apple crisp and bread pudding. Students visit with residents, lead bingo, and sometimes provide entertainment.

Individual Volunteers: Jean Felix, Sheila Kelly, and Willie King

All three of our individuals receiving awards this year volunteer at Ruggles Affordable Assisted Living. Currently, Ruggles is Hearth's largest site, and we rely on our dedicated volunteers to keep things running smoothly! Sheila Kelly has been volunteering at the front desk on Tuesdays and Thursdays for nearly two years. Jean Feliz and Willie King, both Hearth residents who live at other sites and volunteer weekly at Ruggles, accompany Ruggles residents to appointments.