New Berlin Volunteer Finds Grandparents through Friendly Visits

“They are like my grandparents now” were the words New Berlin volunteer Diane Herrera used to describe her relationships with two seniors she has met as a friendly visitor volunteer through Interfaith Senior Programs of Waukesha County.

As a special education teaching assistant at an elementary school for 21 years, Diane has a special ability to connect with unique individuals. But seniors have a special place in her heart, and she feels that working with them is her true calling.

When her own mother died, Diane said she not only lost her mother but her “best elderly friend." When Diane read in her church bulletin that Interfaith Senior Programs was looking for friendly visitors for seniors in New Berlin, she made the call to find out more about the program. Diane explained to an Interfaith program coordinator that she needed to make visits during evenings and on weekends when she wasn't working, and she was happy to hear visit times were flexible.

When Diane asked who needed a visitor, she heard about Joe, a 73-year-old wheelchair-bound senior with only one family member in the area, a sister who lived in Milwaukee and couldn’t drive.

During her first visit with Joe, Diane shared photos of her husband, children and dog. Joe immediately noticed her dog and asked if Diane could bring him along on her next visit. Sam, an enthusiastic and energetic Labrador Dalmatian mix, was delighted to make a new friend in Joe, who always had a treat for him during their next visits. Sam, along with Diane, became regular friendly visitors.

When Joe’s sister shared with Diane that Joe rarely left the house except for appointments, she moved their visits outside. Joe enjoyed throwing a ball for Sam to retrieve, and walking Sam in his wheelchair through his neighborhood. Sam didn¹t mind the attention or the treats.

With Sam in the picture, Joe seemed to have a new focus. As Diane explained, “everyone needs to have a purpose," and Joe’s purpose was to walk Sam and play with him.

When Joe ended up in a rehabilitation hospital, their visits were on hold. But Diane contacted Joe’s sister, asking for permission to visit him at the hospital. When she called Joe, Diane was concerned because he sounded disoriented and confused, but he insisted that she and Sam visit as soon as possible. Diane recalled losing sleep worrying about Joe that night, but the reunion of friends turned out to be joyous after a nurse saw them arrive and escorted them inside Joe's room.

“When Joe saw us, he was so happy his whole face lit up,” Diane said. "Sam ran to him, and Joe immediately started feeding him potato chips.”

Joe’s sister and only family member is so grateful that Joe has friends in Diane and Sam. She says she never has seen him smile so much as when Diane and Sam visit, Diane said.

The benefits of their visits haven't been one-sided. “He has brought a lot into my life,” Diane said. “This has given me a way to feel good and help someone. I so enjoy my visits with my extended family.”

Do you want to make a difference in the life of a local senior, adult with a disability or a community organization? Contact Interfaith Senior Programs at 262-549-3348 or visit our website at www.interfaithwaukesha.org. Volunteer opportunities are flexible and range from one time events to longer term experiences. Volunteers are especially needed to drive New Berlin seniors to medical appointments.