CARING CONGREGATION NEWS
How We Share the Care: Bernie Maslow, Caring Companions coordinator
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Bernie Maslow |
Bernie Maslow has one goal when meeting with Temple members in senior living facilities: “To get people to laugh and smile.” Bernie, an 84-year-old member of Temple Emanu-El, is the coordinator of Temple’s Caring Companions program. He volunteers his time each day visiting residents while bringing laughter and smiles to everyone he meets.
In 2001, Caring Congregation began the Caring Companions program, and Bernie joined the team in 2007. Along with Bernie, this active group of volunteers includes Sara Albert, Edwin Balaban, Dorothy Borschow, Anita Brent, Joan Essenfeld, Shelley Hayden, Karen
Lewis,Audrey Pincu, Bill Schwartz and Chick Sham. The work of each of these volunteers is both rewarding and greatly needed.
Bernie visits 128 residents in 25 senior citizen homes throughout the area. He travels each day to Dallas, Plano, Richardson and Farmers Branch, creating friendships with each of the Caring Companions recipients. He always asks people where they’re from, and he often knows someone from their hometown. His positive attitude is contagious, and he likes to tell stories about his own life and listen to the stories of those he visits.
Bernie often carries a book entitled My Thoughts, Selected Writing from 2006-2009. One of his favorite poems states, “friendship is like growing flowers or vegetables...you must nurture them to grow.” This is Bernie’s motto.
Bernie needs help! With all of the places that Bernie and his volunteers visit each week, it is difficult to make the rounds! If you or your family are interested in joining him in his mission, he will gladly accompany you until you feel comfortable visiting on your own. Please contact Bernie Maslow at 214.794.8918 or Peggy Zilberman at 214.629.8024.
If you know someone who would enjoy a visit from Bernie or one of his Caring Companions volunteers, please notify Peggy Papert, Director of Caring Congregation by email or at 214.706.0000.
Help Temple Emanu-El Share The Care!
Temple Emanu-El | 8500 Hillcrest Road | Dallas, TX 75225 | Tel. 214.706.0000 | Fax 214.706.0025 | Map & Directions