ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS Imagining the Communities of Tomorrow

Giving Back Through Volunteering

Most would agree that the benefits of volunteering are realized by the person giving their time, as well as those that benefit from receiving it. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, learn new skills or hobbies, or you support a specific charitable cause, there are many prosocial benefits to becoming engaged in civic or community strengthening activities.

Ok, so we all readily appreciate that volunteering brings value to our communities and to the individual. Yet, according to studies, only about 1 in 4 people actively volunteer, and that number has dropped gradually since the start of the century. Generationally, we place different values on giving back through volunteerism, and recent events in our global community have also impacted our behaviors. So how does volunteering support healthier communities? volunteer start to feel like they belong and have purpose in their community, they learn to get along with people, and they have stronger mental health and well-being. And of course, those children become active, contributing, civically engaged leaders in our communities tomorrow.

When we imagine communities that are connected, optimistic, resilient, and engaged we should consider the types of people, activities or qualities that contribute to those outcomes. And what are prosocial benefits, anyway?

Simply put, prosocial behavior is doing something for someone else, either to benefit, help or care for them, simply because you value the feelings and experiences of other people. Pretty simple, right?

Ok, so we all readily appreciate that volunteering brings value to our communities and to the individual. Yet, according to studies, only about 1 in 4 people actively volunteer, and that number has dropped gradually since the start of the century. Generationally, we place different values on giving back through volunteerism, and recent events in our global community have also impacted our behaviors. So how does volunteering support healthier communities?

Perhaps you’re looking to meet new people and expand your perspectives and friendship circles. Volunteering should provide opportunities for connection with others who share similar interests to your own. There are many resources available to help connect you with volunteer opportunities locally.

Most would agree that the benefits of volunteering are realized by the person giving their time, as well as those that benefit from receiving it. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, learn new skills or hobbies, or you support a specific charitable cause, there are many prosocial benefits to becoming engaged in civic or community strengthening activities

Imagine talking to your kids about their favorite activities, or asking them about their interests and where they would like to help? Children who are invited to

When we imagine communities that are connected, optimistic, resilient, and engaged we should consider the types of people, activities or qualities that contribute to those outcomes. And what are prosocial benefits, anyway?

Visit www.onebigconnection.org to learn more.

Simply put, prosocial behavior is doing something for someone else, either to benefit, help or care for them, simply because you value the feelings and experiences of other people. Pretty simple, right?

Improving

life through exercise and wellness

• Effective weight loss

• Manage health issues

• Reduce stress

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Available

The value of a Wellness Center membership

Feel better, increase productivity and energy, have fun and minimize health care costs with preventative exercise and specialized fitness programs.

Everything you need to stay dedicated to fitness

• FREE fitness assessment and exercise plan

• State-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment designed to reduce the risk of injury

• Group exercise and aquatic programs

• Personal training

• Massage

• Child care

• Medical fitness programs include 10 specialized fitness pathways: Cancer, Cardiac, Diabetes, Functional, Cognitive Health, Orthopedic, Fit for Surgery, Pulmonary, Transitional Care and Weight Management

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We are certified by and follow the guidelines of the Medical Fitness Association – the leading authority on medical fitness programs, safety and cleaning protocols. Their seal of approval means that we follow cleaning procedures ranked well above industry standards.

Diane Lockman is a busy mom of four kids who also works as a registered nurse. When her parents, Vince and Carole Watkin, started to need more support, Diane, her husband, Brandon, and other family members stepped up to help - they visited more often, helped with household chores, and assisted with doctor visits and medications. After much consideration, the two households decided to merge, with Carole and Vince moving to live with Diane and Brandon’s family in Chelsea.

Chelsea offers many resources for older adults, and Diane connected her parents to the Chelsea Senior Center. At the senior center, Carole and Vince enjoy making new friends at the daily lunch and engaging in fun activities at the Connections Memory Café, a program for caregivers and their loved ones with cognitive changes. Carole has also benefitted from the camaraderie found at Chat to Heal: a Caregiver Support Group Vince attends the respite care provided during the support group time.