Plainview-Old Bethpage Cares, a community program for seniors over the age of 60, started a volunteer program just over a year ago to assist residents of Plainview and Old Bethpage to find the support they need to remain in their homes and live independently.

The program is dependent on the generosity of those who volunteer their time to help seniors in the Plainview and Old Bethpage community. There are currently approximately 50 active volunteers in the program and although they do a remarkable job, more volunteers are needed in order to satisfy the needs of the community.

Harriett Blatt is the volunteer coordinator who volunteers her time to POB Cares. "We couldn't do the program without her," said Julie Kahler, Social Worker for POB Cares. "We are very blessed."

Blatt received a survey that was mailed to local residents to identify seniors' needs in the Plainview and Old Bethpage community. At the time she was president of her synagogue and very busy, but decided to volunteer for POB Cares anyway and has been volunteering since the program's inception in May of 2002.

When she first got involved, Blatt knew she didn't want to volunteer one-on-one as she just lost her father and she thought it would be too hard on her, but she knew she wanted to volunteer.

"The job of volunteer coordinator just evolved on its own," said Blatt, who along with Kahler conducts training for interested volunteers as well as matches volunteers to the clients, and ensures that all clients' needs are met.

"I get a great deal of satisfaction out of this," said Blatt. "I am a volunteer but I have the commitment of a job because I feel so strongly about the program."

Blatt spoke about the irony of living in the area since 1977 and not meeting many of the people who have been there just as long and now getting the opportunity to meet them.

"I met a lot of wonderful people," said Blatt who donates approximately six hours a week to the program. "I became friends with the volunteers and I also met many other people. I am now friends with different generations and people I would not have met if not for this program."

Kahler said that Blatt is so good at the job she does because she is "so good at getting people to say yes."

Blatt encourages people to volunteer. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't think it was worthwhile," she said.

One of the first tasks for the POB Cares volunteers was to sort data of the survey that was mailed to local residents. One of the needs made evident from the survey was transportation. In response, a program was set up to start bringing seniors to medical appointments, do shopping and to visit a spouse in a nearby nursing home.

Joe Elowsky is a volunteer for POB Cares and a driver in the transportation program.

He is also a member of the Advisory Board, which is a group of 14 seniors representing a cross-section of POB residents. The board works with staff to develop POB Care's program priorities and agenda. The board has also given substantial input in the development of the future structure and fund raising plan for the organization.

Elowsky said he was reluctant to volunteer at first, but since he had recently retired and had some extra time on his hands, he decided to volunteer. "I was at a loss for what I wanted to do," he said.

He got involved early in the program and his first task as a volunteer was mapping out the returns from the questionnaire at the inception of the program. He then became a driver for the program.

Elowsky, who along with his wife Marsha, has lived in Plainview for 40 years, picks people up for medical appointments and usually waits for them until their appointment is over and then takes them home again.

"It's fun," said Elowsky. "I enjoy picking up a client and I like talking to them. It is not only a ride, but also a chance to get out and talk to people. It is one-on-one and I have established a warm relationship with people. It is door-to-door service."

Elowsky drives approximately once a week and volunteers between 6-8 hours a week.

"I feel great doing this," said Elowsky. "The clients are appreciative and the other volunteers are so nice. It is just a great feeling and the reason that I continue doing it."

Another facet of volunteering for POB Cares is visiting homebound seniors living in Plainview and Old Bethpage on a regular basis to help keep them from feeling isolated and lonely and also helping seniors with small home repairs such as changing light bulbs, putting up shelves, installing an outside light sensor and fixing a sticking door.

Lena Gaynes has been volunteering for POB Cares for a year. Gaynes visits Marie once a week. Although Gaynes was hesitant about volunteering at first as she considers herself shy, she said she felt comfortable with Marie immediately.

Blatt and Kahler match a volunteer and a senior and then Kahler attends the first meeting to make sure that the volunteer and client both feel comfortable and will attend until that happens. With Gaynes and Marie, it only took one visit for the friendship to form.

Both Gaynes and Marie have lived in Plainview for over 35 years and never came into contact before they got involved with POB Cares. "We can reminisce about how the town was and how it is now," said Gaynes.

Marie couldn't be happier. "I wanted someone I could relate to, so I called POB Cares and I bless every day that I called. I am so lucky - I got the prize in Lena," said Marie. "It's like having a great friend, which is sometimes even better than family."

Gaynes really enjoys the experience. "I feel I get more than I give because I found a special friend," said Gaynes. "Now we are like family. We care and worry about each other and we share the good and the bad. I was looking to make someone's life easier," said Lena. "I didn't expect to make such a great friend."

Due to health problems, Marie has become less active and Gaynes, who visits once a week, has become more important to Marie. Gaynes stays with Marie for about an hour each week. In addition to friendly visiting, Gaynes helps her with her correspondence, mail and staying organized, which is a way for Marie to remain independent.

"I love to have someone to gossip with," said Marie. "I look forward to Wednesdays."

Those interested in volunteering should call the POB Cares office at 249-6000 and speak to Kahler or Blatt. A packet will then be sent to those interested, and an interview and training session will follow. "People can give as much time as possible for them," said Blatt.

Plainview-Old Bethpage Cares is located at 1670 Old Country Road, suite 111 (east of the Plainview Post Office.) and is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

POB Cares, a program of JASA (Jewish Association for Services for the Aged) funded by UJA Federation-New York, serves all seniors living in Plainview-Old Bethpage.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and have a willingness to help. "Volunteers get as much out of this program as the clients do - that's why it works," said Kahler.