Jesse and Gloria Diaz

Written by Carolyn Kneedler

Imagine retiring early just so you can give time to others - especially the elderly! JESSE and GLORIA DIAZ have been doing just that, both searching for different ways to make a personal contribution to Sacramento's population. Says Dayna Dunteman, a contributor to Sacramento Magazine, “Jesse Diaz seems drawn to projects that many would shrink away from-projects that confront human frailty and mortality head-on, demanding a great deal of eye contact, soul searching and emotional investment.” In fact his efforts caused him to receive the “Volunteer of the Year” award at the Spirit Awards Luncheon put on by the Volunteer Center of Sacramento in October 2005.

Over the last five years and through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Jesse Diaz found different methods by which to share his compassion for others in very personal and direct ways. First, he became a weekly ‘Friendly Visitor'’ to seniors who were trying to live independently in their homes through Mental Health Association's “Friendly Faces” Program. He became a friend, confidant and helper to the seniors, finding ways to solve whatever problems they faced. In addition, Jesse also trained and became a hospice volunteer offering bedside companionship and helping hospice patients work through issues and fears prior to death. His “calm and caring manner has been appreciated by many families,” says his hospice supervisor. Because he is a good mentor Jesse also helps to train new hospice volunteers and accompanies them on visits until they are comfortable.

GLORIA also became a ‘friendly visitor’ and says that the people she visits have had incredible lives and she “loves to listen to them.” She takes them shopping, to doctor's appointments, and sometimes to lunch, but other times they just sit and chat. She is also a member of a Folsom group called the Mad Hatters who get together and knit small hats for newborns. Others make chemo hats for cancer patients or lap robes for veterans. Most importantly, at the same time that they are knitting they are building a network of friendships.

One of the biggest needs in all communities today is to find ways to keep the lives of seniors as enriched and independent as possible. Realizing the personal benefits to seniors of being a volunteer, Jesse decided to promote senior volunteerism in Sacramento by becoming a Board member of RSVP. He took a leading role, working with a volunteer attorney, to create ‘Friends of RSVP’, the new nonprofit arm of the organization that will help support the program.

Jesse also provided leadership in bringing the Veterans History Project to Sacramento, doing about 50 one hour video interviews of aging World War II veterans who were willing to share their war experience on camera. RSVP has sent over 200 videos to the Library of Congress to become part of the national archives of war veterans’ personal stories.