I suppose success can be measured in many ways. Depending on one’s station in life, obtaining higher education might make them feel successful. An upwardly mobile or steadily progressing career might do the trick for someone else. Retiring as a respected pillar of one’s professional community may very well be the culmination of a lifetime of several collective successes. Arguably, all of these measurements ring true.

But how do you measure influence? I believe it’s in the eyes of those around you; more so, I believe it’s in the hearts of those who need you.

As a young professional who has always tried to reach for the stars, I’d become quite expectant of the accolades of managers, clients, even peers to validate my feelings of success. But as a recent volunteer with Golden Age Centers, my influence in the lives of people who may have never framed success in the terms that I had, has made me feel more successful than any professional accomplishment ever has.

Once a week, I visit the E. J. Bohn Center as the Arts & Crafts Volunteer. It always feels so uncomfortable when the staff or participants thank me, as I always walk away feeling as if I’ve received so much more than what I put in. Recently, a senior, with limited motor skills, and fairly impaired speech smiled the biggest smile and said “This is the highlight of my week;” her smile, their laughs, and the appreciation they all show make visiting the Bohn center the highlight of mine.

Before I actually began volunteering with GAC, I met with the volunteer coordinator and read the stats. I read about the meals GAC provides. I read about the transportation the organization offers, and the home visits social workers conduct. It was all very nice, but admittedly very abstract. It wasn’t until I met the people, heard their stories, and got the chance to really peek into their actual lives, that I realized what influence GAC is having on the greater Cleveland community; I’m humbled that I get to share in the success of it all.

Callie Hopes
GAC Volunteer

A great time was had by all at Shout! As promised, the night was filled with fun, dancing, and grand grazing! Thanks to all who attended and a special thanks to all of our sponsors. $0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0

Many thanks to students from Case Western Reserve University who participated in Case Community Day. A few groups of Case students cleaned and painted Bohn and Lakeshore Golden Age Centers. Thanks again! Your help is greatly appreciated!