Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc.

I volunteer with the OASIS program(Older Adult Services and Intervention System)which exists to help Seniors remain in their own homes. Oasis is a recognized program that trains, counsels and clears each volunteer so a Senior can be confident that their needs are considered fairly and with understanding. This formal process is the best reason to participate in this practice of compassion toward the elders in our community either as a caregiver or as a recipient. Helping Seniors for the past 6 years has helped me grow in patience and compassion and has given me a practical understanding of the difficulties living on Disability Income poses for single Seniors who no longer have other income or family help. This is largely an invisible group needing care and appreciation, and I am sure that I have benefited as much as the Seniors I have helped.