March 31, 2017 (Winston-Salem, NC) ─Artist Marcus Melton has been empowering and entertaining residents at Southfork, a DePaul Senior Living Community in Winston-Salem, using a brush, canvas and paint. He’s been leading residents in regular Wine Down with Painting, an activity during which he demonstrates how to paint a picture while residents follow along and sip grape juice out of wine glasses!

Melton is pictured above with Southfork residents Brenda Bailey, Libby Carter, Betty Conner, Rose Mary Reilly, Pat Mitchell and Donald Hauser. April is National Volunteer Recognition Month. A self-taught artist, Melton said he first got involved volunteering with seniors while visiting his grandmother at a different senior living community.

“Two years ago I was tired of being at the house and not doing anything,” he said. “I would be there visiting with her for five or six hours, then I started volunteering to paint nails, and making relationships.”

Activities Director Angel Parrish said residents really enjoy learning how to paint from Mark.

“I think it’s the feeling of accomplishment,” she said. “It’s also nice because they leave with results, something that I can hang on the wall or that they can take with them.”

Residents say that Mark is helpful, courteous and funny!

“He’s an artist at heart and he’s always there when we need him, said resident Brenda Bailey.

“He’s a true friend in times when you need comforting,” said resident Johnnie Montgomery.

Melton also accompanies residents on community outings, spends time watching basketball and conversing with the male residents, and even assists with manicures.

“I’m just sharing something I love with them and we’re having a moment,” he said. “It’s more about being a part of their life for that moment.”

For more information about Southfork, please contact Administrator Akwiasdi Revels at (336) 768-8828, at arevels@depaul.org or visit us on Facebook.