A little TLC

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world –  Anne Frank.

At the To Life Center Adult Day Services, our participants are privileged to have volunteers who share their expertise with them. One such story is of Dina Melnikova and volunteer Dennis Byrnes.

Dina has been a part of the To Life Center Adult Day Services (TLC) family for the past several years. While participating at TLC, she has truly found her place and peace by painting. Dennis Byrnes, who is an artist, has a long history of being a volunteer and giving back to the Jewish community. He is extremely active at Temple Sinai and even though he is busy in many different aspects of his life, he takes time twice a month to meet with Dina and give her one-on-one lessons.

While I pass through the room they are meeting in, it is my deep pleasure to watch the pure delight between Dina and Dennis. I am convinced that these two were meant to be friends. While they both take art seriously, it is attention-grabbing watching the two of them interact. Dina concentrates and listens intently as Dennis gives her direction, while he does the same as she shares what her life was like growing up in Russia.

The quote from Anne Frank applies to the relationship between student and volunteer. Dennis did not wait a single moment to improve Dina’s artistic life and she to him with opening his heart to her stories and talent. Dennis reflects on the following with regard to Dina, “It is always a pleasure teaching at the To Life Center Adult Day services, particularly when I have the opportunity of tutoring someone as talented as Dina.”

The value of getting TLC is important to keeping one young as a volunteer or participant. Imagine your days being home alone with only the four walls to look at. At the To Life Center Adult Day Services we have opportunities that could help you. Everyone knows someone who would benefit from social interaction, cognitive stimulation, art classes, exercise, field trips, hot kosher lunch, physical, occupational and speech therapy. At the TLC we also have podiatry services, computer learning, and medication management from our registered nurse and much more. We are located at 100 Niantic Avenue in Providence. If you would like information or a tour please contact Susan Adler, Director at (401) 621-5374 or sadler-jeri@jsari.org. The To Life Center Adult Day Services is a program of Jewish Seniors Agency and is a partner agency with the Jewish Alliance.

Everyone deserves a little TLC in their lives, they have earned it.

SUSAN ADLER (sadler-jeri@jsari.org) is the Director of Jewish Eldercare of Rhode Island and To Life Center Adult Day Services, as well as the coordinator of The Louis and Goldie Chester Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry.