GAF supports Pathways program
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
In July 2013, Charla Gae retired and moved into Leisure World. As an active adult, she was excited about the many opportunities that Leisure World had to offer for both learning and entertainment. Being a musician, Charla joined the Cabaret Singers, the Theater Club and helped form the Silverwood Band. She also joined other clubs like the Traveling Tigers, the Scrabble Club, and co-founded the Wellness Club.
Those activities made her life very enjoyable, but she still felt like something was missing.
“I wanted to find a way to give back that wasn’t all about me. It was my desire to try and make someone else’s life better,” Charla said. She read about Pathways, a community service non-profit, in the LW Weekly, took the friendly visitor training and signed up to become a volunteer.
Pathways seeks to match LW residents to other stakeholders who might enjoy a new friend. Some of the clients are new to LW and need someone to help them figure things out, others might need assistance in finding resources to help them remain safe and independent in their own home, and others may have families who live out of the area and would appreciate some additional support.
After completing the training, Charla was quickly matched with Demetra Monios, a delightful woman who also lives in LW. Demetra’s children live out of the area, and even though they visit when they can, both thought a friendly volunteer would be a good addition. Demetra’s daughter, Melanie, heard about Pathways and contacted them to see if they could help provide a companion for her mom. The match with Charla turned out to be perfect.
Charla and Demetra quickly bonded and became friends. Before the pandemic, they enjoyed attending many of the LW activities together, even getting up and hitting the dance floor. They especially loved the Amphitheater summer concerts. Demetra’s daughter said that “Charla has become a part of the family” and she appreciates having to have someone close by to ensure her mom has what she needs. Charla has become what Pathways calls a “Trusted Friend.”
These days the connections are different, but the program is still available. Pathways staff meet people in person only as needed and on a limited basis. Due to the safer at home orders, volunteers do not conduct in-person visits. However, Pathways is hosting a special training this month to prepare volunteers who feel comfortable to return to in person visits. Many have continued to drop off items for clients but some clients and volunteers are ready to return to in-person visits, according to Pathways Program Manager Tammie Ottenad. Clients and volunteers alike are required to follow CDC guidelines, such as wearing masks and social distancing.
Pathways provides training and background checks on all volunteers and checks in with them regularly to ensure things are going well for all concerned. To learn more about volunteering with Pathways, call (562) 531-3031.
The Golden Age Foundation (GAF) is nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to serving Seal Beach Leisure World shareholders by making the community a better place. GAF supports Pathways services to the community to benefit shareholders who need it.
—Anna Derby
