By Charlene Freadman Kahn, JTNews Correspondent
Volunteer social service programs are set up to provide assistance to those in need — but as so often happens, the benefit and the value frequently extend across the line to the volunteer caregiver.
Such is the case with Multifaith Works and its CareTeam program. The agency, headed by Rabbi Anson Laytner, former community relations director for the Jewish Federation, provides housing and support services for people living with life- threatening illnesses.
Trudy James, an Episcopal minister and former hospital chaplain, recruits volunteers for the CareTeam program. The chaplain radiates warmth and conviction for her program and feels the experience of interfaith has changed her own spirituality. “Interfaith involvements bring spiritual value and sharing,” says James. “Christians call it doing God’s work, a ministry; Jews call it a mitzvah, a good deed or commandment; Buddhists say “˜metta,’ doing loving-kindness.”
James sets up teams of volunteers who provide both emotional and practical support for individuals and household living with HIV/AIDS. She is looking to organize more interfaith teams, wanting to draw in the Jewish community. Currently, Temple Beth Am in the Northend and Bellevue’s Temple B’nai Torah have care teams. More are needed, says James. James attends services at area temples and synagogues, and has spoken to rabbinical groups. She spoke convincingly about the value the CareTeams bring both to the care partners and to the team members themselves. “This program brings people of all faiths together — and they learn about each other.”
“Volunteers receive something back here,” reminds James. “This results in actual relationships, and in some cases, teams spend two to four years with one person. Teams stay with the care partner until they die. Friendships are made, James observed, with each other and with their care partners, too.” Teams have seven or more people. Once a month they all meet together and come together for social occasions, birthdays, etc.
Religion adds a valuable dimension for Beth Am CareTeam member Diane Baer, who sees her Judaism as a valuable resource. Baer, a Ph.D. epidemiologist, chaired the Social Action committee at Beth Am, where she developed “the awareness of bringing Jewish values and tikkun olam [repairing the world] to focus on the broader community.” On a personal level she says, “I’m overwhelmed with what I’ve received….I’ve become a stronger person and more open. The most important thing is what I’ve received and what I’ve learned.”
Another member of Temple Beth Am’s CareTeam, Carin Mack, describes the benefit in both personal and professional terms, ” As a social worker, I confront the effects of chronic illness on the emotional well-being of my clients. As a member of our CareTeam, in supporting partners with AIDS, I help to combat the sense of isolation and loss inherent in the disease by offering compassion, friendship, and a sense of family. Personally, I have gained far more then I have offered: a friendship with men who show grace and acceptance in living with AIDS. In addition to working with the care partners, my team has presented me with the opportunity to collaborate with people of different ages and religious beliefs.”
Program Director James wants more Jewish team members on the interfaith teams. “It’s [all] human being to human being,” she says. “Each team makes a huge difference in the household of someone living with HIV/AIDS. The team experience is so meaningful.”
Responding to the usual questions about risk factors and contact with HIV, James emphasizes the low risk factor, stating “Nothing volunteers do could expose them [to risk].” Volunteer training for CareTeams is scheduled on Saturday, Feb. 2, at University Presbyterian Church in Seattle. Contact Trudy James at MultifaithWorks at 206-324-1520 for more information.