Arizona Volunteers Rebuild Community at Handmaker After COVID

When Renee walks into the living room of Rubin Assisted Living on the first and third Thursday of each month, residents light up. Some bring needlework projects needing a patient eye, while others just come to chat and be part of the warmth she's created over five years of knitting circles.

Renee is one of many dedicated volunteers who returned to Handmaker, a senior living community in Arizona, after COVID restrictions lifted. She and Sandy, who has led a monthly book club for over a decade, were among the first familiar faces residents welcomed back.

Sandy started her book club when her cousin Carol lived at Handmaker more than 10 years ago. She picks books from different genres and keeps discussions lively, even when some members read ahead and others fall behind. Everyone feels included, and that's what matters.

The volunteer roster keeps growing. Monica, a former receptionist who retired in 2021, now returns each winter to accompany residents on zoo trips and help at holiday meals. Larry volunteers at Torah Study, plays games with residents alongside fellow volunteer George, and helps during the High Holidays. He says he leaves Handmaker feeling energized, not exhausted.

Every Friday morning, Rochelle guides residents through mah jongg games in the Rubin Café. Players of all skill levels gather for the social and mental stimulation, keeping memories of past players alive while creating new ones.

New regulations from Medicare and state agencies made recruiting volunteers harder after the pandemic. Background checks and fingerprint clearance cards created barriers for people wanting to help.

Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona stepped in with a grant to cover those costs. The funding is already working. Abbie recently started helping at Friday Shabbat dinners, and Nahid, a former activity assistant, returned to help residents get to salon appointments and reconnect with old friends.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story special isn't just the activities volunteers lead. It's the relationships they build. Deborah visits skilled nursing residents weekly, offering companionship and a listening ear. Larry jokes that he has too much shpilkes (restless energy) not to help. These volunteers show up because they genuinely enjoy spending time with residents who have stories to share and wisdom to offer.

The community is looking for more helpers who can commit just four hours a month. Even visitors with friendly puppies are welcome to brighten someone's day.

Handmaker proves that rebuilding community after crisis takes time, but it happens one knitting circle and book club at a time.