SOSMagAprilJune2020

Supporting individuals with disabilities seeking employment; inclusion in their community and independence in their lives. 3920 Columbus Ave. 419-626-1048 www.ability-works.com Harborview Senior Apartments 115 Franklin Street, Sandusky, OH 44870 419-627-0544 HUD Subsidized rent based on your income. 4917 Milan Rd. Sandusky vine-olive.com 419.502.4000 Grace Thrift Shop 301 E. Market Street  Sandusky (419) 626-5453 The little shop on the corner of Market and Hancock Streets, selling unique, quality merchandise. Present this coupon for $2 off a $10 purchase Staffed by community volunteers. All net proceeds benefit Erie County Charities. Create a Positive Attitude Toward Aging: Volunteer to Help Children Volunteering outside of your peer group builds intergenerational relationships. This causes people of older age to see children/tweens/teens from a new perspective; and children/tweens/teens have the opportunity to see people of older age in a more positive light. Vermilion resident Margie Grassnig, age 67, started volunteering to help in the Vermilion Middle School November 2019, and keeps coming back. “I work with three different teachers. For one, I work with an individual student. For another I help in the classroom and for another I work with a small group of students. I walk in and the students give me hugs. The kids are always excited to see me.” Margie loves helping the students learn. Kathy Fischer, age 72, works with two different teachers one time per week for an hour. “You always get a hug from somebody,” said Kathy. The boys are eager to demonstrate their light-up shoes.” If any of the kids see me downtown, they make a point of saying, ‘Hi Miss Kathy’ and they are so excited to see me. It’s a joy to come here. It really is!” One day Kathy had to help the children with their i-pads. At first, she was concerned that she might be outside of her element, but it all worked out and everything went just fine. Both ladies will tell you, they have a fun day everyday they volunteer. “It’s rewarding. You feel accepted and the kids make feel like you’re important.” If you’re wondering if volunteering to help students would be a “good fit” for you, Margie and Kathy invite you to meet them at Vermilion Middle School over coffee. If this is something you would like to do, call Elizabeth Greenawalt at 1-440-204- 1700 ext. 641. 21