By Ali Morris
?? Believe it or not the idea of the Bridgewater Retirement Community (BRC) came from the dedication to the college?s gymnasium. Dr. Jacob Huffman, also known as the father of the Bridgewater home, thought that since the students have a gym, that the elderly should have a home, and that is where it all started. The dream became a reality in May of 1965.
?? Bridgewater Retirement Community is now home to over 200 residents. The community is like a college in a sense. They have a gym, a styling salon, a chapel, dining rooms, a library and much more. Sounds a little like Bridgewater right? While the retirement community offers these amenities to the residents, it also offers numerous job and endless volunteer opportunities for people from all over the area. From students to those who have retired, BRC always has volunteers lending a helping hand.
Photo by Christopher Conte
?? BRC offers students practicum opportunities, service learning hours, internships, and more. There have been over 30 volunteers added since the beginning of the year and the numbers are expected to grow. Over half of the 2012 volunteers are Bridgewater College students. Many students come from James Madison University to complete practicum experiences as well. BRC is also full of Bridgewater College grads. It is a tight knit community where people that work there now, had some of the same professors that are still at the college. Everyone seems to be connected in some way.
?? Volunteers visit the retirement home and assist in a number of activities. Ballroom dancing, crafts, poetry reading, and drama student?s performances are just a few of the many activities volunteers come out to participate in and assist. ?Volunteering provides career experience in different fields and provides interaction with older people which is different than everyday conversations,? Director of Volunteer Services, Ellie Draper explained. One program the community has is the Adopt a Grandparent program which was started by a recent Bridgewater College graduate. A student visits with a resident weekly and spends their time listening and telling stories. Bridgewater student and volunteer Kate Babcock explained, ?If I had a relative in a nursing home that was lonely I would want young people to cheer him up. It makes me wish more Bridgewater students would adopt a grandparent too!? While visiting with one resident involved in the Adopt a Grandparent Program, Babcock and her friend, Rachael Sloan, entered the room and instantly Gordon Morris, Bridgewater Retirement Community resident, lit up with happiness. He told numerous stories about riding trains and constantly joked and laughed with Babcock and Sloan. ?I never met either of my grandfathers, so it?s been special to me to have Gordon,? Solan said. Aside from his stories, Morris is great for words of wisdom telling the young women, ?Make sure you love what you do.?
?? Bridgewater Retirement Community provides more than jobs and volunteer opportunities. It offers rewarding experiences and friendships with other volunteers and residents. Employees, residents, and volunteers are all full of love that is contagious the second you step foot in.
Source: http://veritas.bridgewater.edu/blog/2012/03/15/just-like-family-bridgewater-retirement-community/
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