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Valued Volunteer
Rose Murray first learned about the Brookline Senior Center through her grandmother, who has done graphic design work for the Senior Center. When Rose entered Brookline High School, she heard some friends talking about the SHOP program (Students Helping Older People), a community service club at high school that pairs students with seniors to help with grocery shopping. Rose was immediately interested. “I have a really close relationship with my grandparents,” she shared, “and I wanted to have a similar relationship with other seniors in the community.”
In the fall of her 10th grade year, Rose joined the SHOP program. She and a friend were paired with a senior, and they began grocery shopping for her each week. “It’s really nice because the senior needs me, and it feels good to help her. But I also get something out of it. It’s nice talking with her. After we unpack, we talk about the week and upcoming holiday plans. I get to know a little about her life, and she asks us about ours. It’s a nice relationship. I would never have had this connection with her in my daily life without the SHOP program.”
At the end of 10th grade, Rose reached out to the Brookline Senior Center to see if there were other opportunities to get involved with over the summer. That is when she started volunteering with the Technology Assist program, a resource provided at the Senior Center where volunteers work individually with seniors to help with their technology questions. Rose has enjoyed helping seniors with their smartphones, tablets, and computers. “I really like helping people, and the seniors are always so grateful,” she said. “They really show how much they appreciate the help.” Some seniors became her “regulars,” signing up for multiple appointments throughout the summer. As she worked with them with their technology, Rose listened to the stories some seniors shared with her, and she found that these personal connections were one of the highlights of her volunteer work.
Now in 11th grade, Rose continues to be an active member of the SHOP program, grocery shopping for her senior every week. She also returns during school vacations to volunteer with the Tech Assist program and plans to continue this again next summer. We are grateful for Rose’s dedication to her community and to the seniors in Brookline!
Thinking of Volunteering?
If you have a special interest area or expertise that you would like to share with the Senior Center, please reach out to Valerie Graf, the Volunteer Coordinator, at 617-730-2743 or vgraf@brooklinema.gov to learn more about creating and facilitating a new program at the Senior Center.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Visiting Volunteers
Are you interested in weekly social visits with seniors in their home? Volunteers are matched with seniors in the community for weekly friendly visits to help with social isolation common for so many homebound seniors. Volunteers will receive initial training and ongoing support from a Brookline Senior Center Social Worker. Please reach out with our Volunteer coordinator, Valerie Graf, at vgraf@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2743 to learn more.
If you or a family member could benefit from a weekly social visit, please reach out to our Social Worker, Sharon Sandalow, at ssandalow@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2769.
S.H.O.P (Students Helping Older People)
The S.H.O.P. (Students Helping Older People) Program, a collaboration between the Brookline Senior Center and the Brookline High School (BHS), has been a community service club at BHS over 25 years. Students are paired with seniors to assist with grocery shopping throughout the school year. In addition to providing practical support for seniors, this program also offers high school students valuable life skills. Not only do they hone their grocery shopping skills, it creates opportunities for students and seniors to exchange stories and life experiences, fostering rich intergenerational conversations. These connections often evolve into meaningful, long-lasting relationships, benefiting both the students and seniors involved.
Anne Mogel, a BHS junior and one of this year’s SHOP Student Leaders says, “I’ve had a great experience participating in SHOP. I have been able to form a relationship with the senior I’m shopping for, as well as experience what it’s like to do hands-on volunteering, where I can see my impact up close. I shop for my senior every weekend, and it has become woven into my weekly routine. I’m looking forward to continuing my shopping this year, and furthering my experience!”
Currently serving approximately 25 Brookline seniors, the SHOP program gets high marks from the seniors involved. One senior couldn’t say enough positive things about the two students with whom she has been paired. She noted that “It’s the highlight of my week!” Another senior reflected that “the student’s cheery demeanor is a gift in itself. The program incorporates young people to help older people like me. It’s beneficial for everyone involved. Win Win!”
The SHOP program has officially started for the 2024/2025 school year and students are ready to start shopping! If you are a senior who would like to have a student shop for you, please call Valerie, the Volunteer Coordinator, at 617‐730‐2743 or email her at vgraf@brooklinema.gov.
CLICK HERE to watch a video to learn more about the S.H.O.P program and how it benefits both students and seniors.
Retirement Engagement Alternatives Program (REAP)
The REAP program is designed for Brookline residents aged 60 and older who wish to remain engaged and active in the community while in retirement or partial retirement. Limited additional program opportunities may also be available for individuals aged 55-60. The goal of this program is to enhance the retirement experience by connecting participants with either part-time paid or volunteer work in the community or at the Brookline Senior Center (BSC).
To enroll or for more information, call 617-730-2767 or email Vivian Williams at vwilliams@brooklinema.gov.at vwilliams@brooklinema.gov.
Other services
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