THE CALEB CORNER

June 2002

By Julie Hall, Volunteer Coordinator

The Caleb Group is very busy with the addition of new care receivers, as well as, new volunteers. Donald DeWolf and Eleanor Johnson, both of Whitefield, and Jenni Smith of Jefferson have taken the training course to become a Caleb Volunteer. We welcome them, and thank them for their willingness to help elders in our communities. The training course includes subjects dealing with confidentiality, the services that the volunteer wants to provide, emergency and infection control guidelines, and guidelines on working with disabled and elderly.  

Spotlight on Volunteers-Stan and Dot Johnson

Stan and Dot Johnson became Caleb Volunteers six years ago, when they moved to Whitefield. They met Jean Fogg who told them about Caleb, and thought it would be a great way for them to meet new people in the area. The Johnson’s have been active volunteers since December of 1996.   Stan delivers the Commodity Food to elders who do not have a way to pick up the boxes of food at Highland House where the Caleb Group organizes the deliveries. Dot helps with transportation of elders to doctor’s appointments or shopping. She also helps with Caleb Fundraising events.

The Johnson’s have volunteer experience from their previous home in Alstead, New Hampshire where they delivered “Meals on Wheels.” There they helped to serve the meals, and deliver meals to seniors in the community.

Stan and Dot have enjoyed their many years of service for the Caleb Group, which total 390 volunteer hours and 4336 volunteer miles! 

Stan recalled his very first Caleb volunteer experience when he transported a cat to the vet!  Dot often takes Caleb care receivers for their weekly grocery shopping. 

“We get a lot of hugs, and the care receivers are always so appreciative of our help,” said Dot. “We pray that one day when we may need help, that there will be someone to help us.” Stan adds, “We get a lot of satisfaction from helping others.”

The Caleb Group commends Stan and Dot for their dedication to helping the elders in our communities.

As always we are looking for more volunteers to help the ever-increasing number of elders in our program. For information on becoming a Caleb Volunteer please call the Caleb Group at 837-9179.