This month’s Volunteer Spotlight highlights the exemplary dedication of Valeree Haas to the community and the City of Evanston.

Valeree is an Evanstonian to the very core.  She still resides in her childhood home and is proud to speak of her high school days at ETHS. Valeree has held all kinds of jobs, most recently at a Chicago law firm and the Law Department at the City of Evanston. Valeree took a short hiatus from the city job, but knowing the deep love she has for her hometown, it is no wonder that she decided to come back to volunteer at the city.

In early 2011, Valeree began volunteering at the City of Evanston focusing on rental registrations.  She volunteers 5-6 hours daily performing various administrative tasks, such as cleaning up the database, verifying paper trails and researching building owners.  Valeree takes pride in being well-versed in many areas, which affords her the ability to help on many multi-faceted tasks and projects.  While rental registration takes up the bulk of her time, Valeree is always willing to lend a helping hand to her peers. 

Valeree has numerous strengths which make her an ideal volunteer.  Her attention to detail and organization skills have been a huge asset to the city.  When speaking to Valeree, you immediately notice dedication and passion in all she does.  Valeree’s vibrant personality and enthusiastic commitment make her a clear choice for this month’s volunteer spotlight. She is no doubt a role model and a cherished member of the Evanston community. On behalf of the City of Evanston and the entire community, we send our deepest congratulations and many thanks to Valeree Haas.

Visit www.volunteerevanston.org to follow Valaree’s lead and “Be the Change” in Evanston. If you know an outstanding volunteer we should spotlight, please email us their information at volunteer@volunteerevanston.org

 CJE SeniorLife, started in 1971 as the Council for Jewish Elderly, was incorporated to develop a comprehensive program of community-based services designed to meet the critical needs of the Jewish elderly.  Today, more than 40 years later, CJE continues to facilitate independence of older adults and to enhance quality of life by advocating on their behalf and by offering programs and services throughout the continuum of care for individuals, families and the community. 

CJE’s 700 employees and 4,900 volunteers provide 19,000 older adults and family members a myriad of programs and services, including assisted living, home-delivered meals, transportation, long and short-term skilled nursing care, adult day services, geriatric care management, health and wellness activities, support groups for clients and caregivers and numerous lifelong learning opportunities.

Services and Programs

Life Enrichment Programs

Adult Day Program

CJE Provides older adults with stimulating, structured programs in secure, supportive group settings.  The Adult Day Program offers a full spectrum of enriching activities, stimulating outings and socialization opportunities to meet the individual’s physical, social, intellectual, cultural and emotional needs.    These activities focus on engaging the whole person – mind, body and spirit—by integrating memory support, health and wellness, and creative arts therapies into each day's activities.  Yoga, word games, weekly outings, entertainment and celebrations each nurture the individual’s well-being.

Supportive Services

Geriatric Care Managers

CJE’S Counseling Department provides high quality mental health services to older adults, family members and caregivers. 

Older Adults: Adults age 60 and older who are interested in finding more effective ways of managing difficult situations are welcome to speak with a consultant

Family Members:  Family members needing advice on how to deal with aging loved ones are welcome to speak with a consultant.

Caregivers:  Caregiver counseling is available for those who need help managing aging and caregiving issues.

Healthcare

Personal Care Program

CJE’s Personal Care Program is a subsidized program for low-income seniors.  Services include assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, errands, light housekeeping, meal preparation and respite.

For Volunteers:

CJE SeniorLife has over 4,900 volunteers who have put in more than 65,000 hours of service, equal to $1,200,000 of compensation.  There are many rewarding volunteer opportunities based on your interests.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Bill Paying
• Clerical
• Friendly Visiting
• Gift Shop
• Group Activities
• Home-delivered Meals
• Intergenerational Programs
• Legal Counseling
• Pet Therapy
• Transportation

Help is welcome from anyone who aims to give CJE residents a better quality of life.

Donations are also welcome.  Items such as yarn, bingo prizes, mittens and scarves are great to receive!

Who Can Help:

Anyone!!  Volunteers range from children to senior citizens.

Time Commitment:

Time Commitment for volunteers is dependent upon the position.  This can range from volunteering once a week to once a month.  Usually a volunteer helps for 1-3 hours per visit.

All volunteers who aim to give CJE residents a better quality of life are welcome!

Check out CJE SeniorLife’s volunteer opportunities at http://volunteer.truist.com/coe/org/10444853509.html