April 20, 2018 (Canandaigua, NY) ─ April is National Volunteer Month and a chance to recognize the gifts of time and service which community members bring to  Horizons, a DePaul Senior Living Community in Canandaigua. From pet therapy to reminiscing about the past, volunteers pour their heart and soul into bringing joy to the seniors at Horizons.

Pictured left, Horizons residents Bob Phillips and Shirley Carr delight in watching Betsy, a Shih Tzu owned by Pat Einhouse, a volunteer with Ontario ARC’s Pet Connections program. Also pictured is volunteer Kathy Allen and her Jack Russell mix, Bea.

Pet Connections is an animal-assisted intervention program which combines the healing power of pets with socialization. Volunteers are certified and undergo extensive training to become part of Ontario ARC’s Pet Connection Therapy teams which go out into the community to approved facilities such as Horizons.

Volunteers visit with residents twice a month, engaging them in games and activities to showcase their dogs’ tricks and learn more about the specific breeds which have included Basset Hounds, a Jack Russel Mix, a Husky Chihuahua mix, Boxers and more!

“Participants from Ontario ARC’s Pet Connection prevocational programs are able to increase their communication and dog handling skills during these events,” said Program Manager Brenda Burton. “Residents report how wonderful it is to see the dogs and will reminisce with our team members about their experiences with dogs.”

Another community organization, Bridges for Brain Injury, brings history to life with regular presentations at Horizons. Bridges for Brain Injury’s mission is “Bridging the Gap” between surviving and thriving for individuals with a brain injury, neurological disorder or physical disability.

Volunteers in their Remineers program interact with Horizons’ residents to bring history to life by sharing items that remind folks of the past including a one-piece wool men bathing suit from the 1920s, a flask from Prohibition, a metal toy boat from the 1930s, a basketball from the 1940s and a pilot jacket and pants from World War I.  Pictured above at Horizons are Bridges’ volunteers Jennie, Kelly and staff member Monique.

The presentations always lead to our residents sharing their own memories and stories from their lives,” said Activities Director Sarah Mason. “In turn the participants share their own stories. It’s amazing to hear the things that come to the surface. By the end of the activity, everyone is smiling and laughing. You can really feel the connections made.”

For more information about Horizons, please contact Administrator Sharon Weinel (585) 396-3390, at sweinel@depaul.org or visit us on Facebook.