The following article was provided by Community Caregivers Inc.
The University of Michigan recently concluded an extensive study that found people with strong ties in their community, and with their neighbors specifically, had healthier hearts — literally. This is no surprise to Community Caregivers, a local non-profit organization that has prided itself for the last two decades on providing the tools for neighbors to successfully help neighbors.
The 20-year mission of Community Caregivers is to enable individuals of all ages to maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life within their homes and communities. This is accomplished through free, non-medical services provided to residents in Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, the Hilltowns and the city of Albany by a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals that have a desire to assist their neighbors.
Similar studies conducted by other institutes also find that volunteering in general improves mental health and helps you live longer, increases social and relationship skills and provides a connection to others.
“We are an organization with heart, as depicted by our logo,” explained Kathy Burbank, executive director. “Now there is even more evidence that our mission is right on target by not only serving the community and helping those that need assistance, but we are indirectly providing people with the opportunity to live longer, healthier and happier lives by volunteering and connecting to others.”
Since 2010, it is estimated that Community Caregivers has had more than 230 volunteers provide 16,500 services to nearly 500 individuals. That’s a lot of healthy hearts in the community. Services include visitations, transportation, respite for caregivers, shopping assistance, prescription pickup, telephone assurance calls, help with paperwork and chores and even assisting with meal preparation as needed.
“We accept individual volunteers, families who wish to assist and provide an example for their children, and we also encourage local companies to allow their employees weekday volunteer opportunities through our organization,” said Burbank. “Studies are clear about the long-term benefits of volunteering within your own community and being a good neighbor, so no doubt this will also lead to a more productive workplace with content employees.”
Burbank continued to explain that someone can give as much or as little time as they want to volunteer. “We are flexible to your schedule, so if you can only give us one hour a week or two hours a month, that’s absolutely fine and welcomed.”
Read more about the University of Michigan’s Good Neighbor study at http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/good-neighbors-reduce-heart-attack-risk-study-article-1.1908895#ixzz3AwEmZF4b, and then be sure to contact Community Caregivers at 456-2898 or email [email protected] to become part of our caring community of neighbors helping neighbors.