Volunteer of the Month
December 2, 2019
Property: The Altenheim
Why did you choose to volunteer with Eden Housing?
I love helping people and I love giving back, especially to my community. Volunteering makes me happy and being able to assist the staff and my friends and neighbors makes it even better.
What have you done as a volunteer? Please describe your role and what you have worked on.
As an Altenheim resident, I have helped in the kitchen with the meal program. I have also helped distribute food from the food bank when it arrives. During some of our weekly or monthly events such as Coffee Break, I’ve helped serve food to my friends and neighbors. I also like to assist in the art class whenever possible. I’m a volunteer of all trades! People will tell you, whatever any residents or staff needs help with, I’m (Pearline’s) always happy to help!
What have you learned through your volunteer experience? Have there been any surprises?
I’ve learned a lot about people and different cultures. There are so many different cultures living here at The Altenheim and I enjoy getting to know my neighbors. Have there been any surprises? To be honest, there haven’t been any surprises, just a lot of fun and great memories- with more to come!
What do you like best about volunteering with Eden Housing?
Eden Housing does so many wonderful things for their residents. We have great parties celebrating a holiday or having an event. We recently had Oakland Mayor Libby Schaff come for a Town Hall! It’s always nice to volunteer and give back as a thank you to the staff and my neighbors when I can. I want to make my home, my neighborhood a better place any way I can
Are there any tips that you would share for someone else who is considering volunteering?
I think the smartest tip for new or veteran volunteers is to be humble and to be patient with one another.
Tell us something we may not know about you. Any interesting facts you’d like to share about your life?
I love to garden. We have a lovely garden space here at The Altenheim that many residents enjoy. I love learning new things and I enjoy being around great people.