Featured Volunteer: Michele Z.

DOROT volunteer since: 2000

How did you get involved with DOROT?

I went to a volunteer seminar at the New School looking for something rewarding to do and was impressed by what I heard about DOROT.

What type of volunteer activities do you do?

I was a Friendly Visitor for over 8 years and have also participated in Holiday Package Deliveries, museum visits, the Friendly Visitor Advisory Committee, and volunteer recruitment.

Michele’s Friendly Visiting story:

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Edith for over 8 years. I used to call my visits "Tuesdays with Edith." Edith was in a wheelchair, so our visits were spent just talking. Edith would share stories of her life and take an active interest in mine. There never was a week where we didn't have something to talk about. In all the time that I visited Edith she rarely complained. Even when she was in and out of the hospital she taught me to have a positive outlook on life. She lived until age 99—just shy 2 months of her 100th birthday. Edith taught me to appreciate life even when things were tough.

Most memorable volunteer moment:

As sad as this sounds, the most moving moment was when Edith passed away and her family asked me to come to her apartment to pick up something she left for me. I never realized what an impact I had made in her life and how special I was to her. I never thought she talked about me and learned how wrong I was.

In what ways has your DOROT volunteer experience impacted your life?

I learned that I got back so much more than I gave. It was truly a gift to have a special older person in my life.

What would you want other volunteers to know about volunteering at DOROT?

DOROT is such a special organization that is there for people when society wants to give up on them. I received tremendous support from my social worker when I needed advice or help. Being a Friendly Visitor is truly one of the most rewarding things I ever did. I would highly recommend it!