Every stage of life has its own rhythm, and sometimes it takes a little while to find your cadence. For active seniors, retirement brings a welcome change of pace, and opens up new opportunities for volunteering.
“There are seven dimensions to wellness at Cadence at Kent-Meridian: intellectual, physical, vocational, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental. Volunteering satisfies us in many different ways, and can be a great way to find your cadence after a transition,” says Tracey Harvey of Cadence Living.
Cadence at Kent-Meridian is a brand new modern aging community, which means there are plenty of opportunities to make your mark. Resident Lifestyle Director Laura Jenks has enjoyed working with one volunteer couple, Bob and Lynn LeGrande, who’ve found their cadence in the community’s gardens.
“There are planters, gardens and outdoor spaces all around Cadence that need to be brought to life, and Bob and Lynn have been sharing their incredible knowledge, skill and care. Bob has used his carpentry and engineering skills to build custom platforms for our planters, while Lynn has shared her deep knowledge to help us select trees and other plants, and ensure we have the right supplies to maintain the gardening program for our residents,” Laura says. “It’s a big help to us, and I think it’s fulfilling work for them as well. The community certainly appreciates it, and we feel so lucky to have dedicated volunteers join our team!”
Resident Lifestyle Director Laura Jenks (right) with volunteer Lynn LeGrande. If you are interested in making a difference contact ljenks@cadencesl.com, or join Laura every Tuesday for InTune Fitness!
Find your Cadence
What skills would you like to share with the Cadence at Kent-Meridian community? There are many opportunities to get involved, committing as much or as little time as you’d like.
- Be a Buddy: Residents in Independent Living can volunteer to be a “buddy” to residents in Assisted Living. Build a friendship by sharing a coffee once a week, working on a puzzle, or taking a stroll.
- Electronics and technology: Do you have a talent for technology? Volunteer to help neighbours learn how to video conference with family, or teach a class on electronics repair.
- Creative arts: Volunteer to play piano on Thursday afternoons, or host a knitting club that creates items for donation.
- Pet care: Make a commitment to help care for a neighbour’s pet while their away, or just check in and offer to help with daily walks and grooming.
- Extroverts and introverts welcome: Take the mic to call Bingo or volunteer to be a greeter at special events. Prefer to work behind the scenes? Many Cadence events welcome volunteer administrators, people to organize and price items at charity fundraisers, and helpful hands to set up chairs and other equipment.
Whether you live at Cadence at Kent-Meridian or live somewhere else in the neighbourhood, there are many opportunities to get involved! If you are interested in making a difference contact ljenks@cadencesl.com. Join Laura every Tuesday for InTune Fitness!
For more information on amenities and available homes, visit cadencesl.com/communities/cadence-at-kent-meridian, or call
