09-25-2024 Primetime - Flipbook - Page 13
A Special Advertising Section of Baltimore Sun Media Group | Wednesday, September 25, 2024 13
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Vantage Point Residents Lead the
Charge in Community Volunteering
A
t Residences at Vantage Point, a retirement community located in the heart of
Columbia, volunteering enriches both
the community and the volunteers. Residents
have embraced the power of giving back,
finding that their efforts both make a difference in others’ lives and bring purpose and
joy to their own.
Judy Dye, a longtime volunteer, embodies
this spirit of service. Her support of deployed
soldiers through Bailey’s Bundles, inspired by
her son’s military service, has been a source
of mental engagement and community connection. “Volunteering keeps me mentally
active,” Judy shares. “It allows me to meet
diverse people and contribute to the community.”
For Marilyn Donovan, volunteering has
provided a renewed sense of purpose after
the loss of her husband. She leads a trivia
Resident Judy Dye and Kim McGill prepare program and participates in the University
Bailey’s Bundle packages for shipping.
of Maryland’s Meaningful Moments study in
which volunteers and staff engage residents
in meaningful activities such as gardening or
music to help reduce behavioral symptoms
associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia
and improve quality of life.
“Volunteering gives me personal fulfillment,” Marilyn says. “The joy and gratitude
from residents make me happy.” She also
ensures that every milestone is celebrated by
delivering cakes and cards to residents on
their birthdays.
Sue and Steve Sternheimer have a long
history of community service ranging from
supporting seniors by driving for Neighbor
Ride to aiding the homeless via the Grassroots
Crisis Center. “Volunteering builds community,” Steve notes. “It brings people together
to focus on something beyond themselves.”
The value of volunteering in older adults’
lives is well documented. According to a
recent report by Forbes, older adults who
volunteer experience improved mental and
physical health, reduced stress and a stronger sense of purpose. Specifically, 96% of
volunteers reported feeling happier, and 78%
felt their volunteer work helped them manage
their own health challenges.
Ann Swauger, Health Center Life
Enrichment Coordinator at Residences at
Vantage Point, sees the impact of volunteerism daily. She matches volunteers with
residents based on shared interests. “Our
volunteers become like family to the residents
they assist,” Ann explains. “These connections often become the highlight of a resident’s day.”
At Residences at Vantage Point, the
power of volunteering is celebrated not only
for the positive impact on the community
but also for the profound fulfillment it brings
to those who give their time. Residents continue to prove that making a difference while
staying engaged is a cornerstone of vibrant,
meaningful life.
Independent Living Assisted Living
Memory Support Comprehensive Nursing
&Community
Connections
ctions
Age-Well in a community that
empowers you to live life on
your own terms.
Find peace of mind and a plan for a secure future in downtown Columbia.
410-992-1241
vantagepointresidences.org
5400 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD 21044
Managed by
Life Care
Services®
