Whether through illness or injury , elderly folks who are robbed of their vision later in life often worry that their best years are behind them , or that they ’ ll become a burden to friends and family who care for them .
Dr . Andrea Schwartz is on a mission to change those misconceptions .
Schwartz , 72 , founded the all-volunteer Pittsburgh Friendship Group about six years ago . The group connects those with vision impairment to volunteers — and to one another . Schwartz , who founded the Valley Center for the Blind in Fresno , California , more than 40 years ago , recognized the need for a similar organization here in Pittsburgh .
“ Eventually , the Valley Center for the Blind became a big organization that does many things to help those with visual impairment ,” says Schwartz , who lives in Hampton Township . “ We needed a place for seniors who are visually impaired here in Pittsburgh , a place that provides an opportunity for them to get together with others who are facing — or who have already faced — similar obstacles .”
The group meets throughout the month at the Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church in Ross Township , which Schwartz calls the “ wind beneath our wings .” A team of about 50 volunteers provides group members with a myriad of activities , including monthly “ Yes I Can ” support groups , a book club , a knitting / crocheting club , lunch trips and mall walking . The group also volunteers for other local nonprofit organizations , helping with mailings and other events . All of the programs are free and require no commitment from any of the members .
While some of the group ’ s members have been blind since birth , others suffer from conditions such as macular degeneration ,
After walking around Ross Park Mall for exercise , members and volunteers of the Pittsburgh Friendship Group enjoy lunch together at the food court .
which can rob people of their vision over time .
“ The biggest transformation comes from those who once had normal vision , but now feel like the good part of their lives are completely over ,” says Schwartz . “ Upon joining our group , they establish both close and casual friendships , and discover that they have a place to go and something meaningful to take part in .”
Schwartz , who has a Ph . D . in human development , says that many of her members benefit from connections with others who are farther along in the journey .
“ There ’ s just something wonderful to see in the connection between people who are going through what you are , who are experiencing what you are experiencing ,” she explains .
She also sees a change in those who serve as “ mentors ” for newer members .
“ Our members gain something by being role models for someone else ,” she says . “ When they get involved in helping others , their demeanor becomes livelier , happier .”
While most of the group ’ s 50 members are seniors , they ’ ve welcomed members who are in their 20s , as well as those who are 100 or older . The approximately 50 volunteers are matched with members who share personal interests .
“ Our members and our volunteers are what make this group so magical ,” says Schwartz . “ Our volunteers are our gifts to the world .”
There is no minimum time requirement to volunteer with the group , and no experience with visual impairment is necessary . The only requirement , she says , is that members are caring , compassionate , and willing to interact with members respectfully .
Schwartz provides one warning , however : “ I tell any potential volunteer that volunteering with our group can become an addiction ,” she says with a laugh .
Volunteers are always needed to help with group activities and to transport members . The group especially needs volunteers to help with “ behind the scenes ” administrative tasks . Anyone interested in joining the group as a member or volunteer should contact Dr . Schwartz at 724.444.0064 .
“ Through our group , our members start to realize that just because they ’ ve lost some or all of their vision , it doesn ’ t mean they can ’ t have a full life ,” Schwartz says . “ They learn that they can continue to contribute a lot to the world and are worthy of respect .” ■
CURRENT PROGRAMS
For more information and a complete list of programs , call 724.444.0064 .
MONTHLY MEETING Second Thursday of each month from 1 to 3 p . m . Entertainment , speakers , celebrations , special events , visiting and refreshments available .
LUNCH BRUNCH Fourth Thursday of each month from 11 a . m . to 1 p . m . Venture out to lunch at inexpensive and moderately priced restaurants with new and old friends .
MEN ’ S GROUP Third Wednesday of each month from 1 to 3 p . m . Enjoy camaraderie with a great group of fellows who discuss issues , topics and general “ guy talk .”
FRIENDSHIP VOLUNTEERS Third Monday of each month from 10:30 a . m . to 12:30 p . m . Visually impaired members serve as volunteers for important nonprofit organizations in Pittsburgh .
YES I CAN ! Six consecutive Tuesdays at times throughout the year , from 1 to 3:30 p . m . A class and support group for women regarding recovery from loss , and happiness .
KNITTING , CROCHETING , HANDIWORK First and third Wednesdays of each month from 1 to 3 p . m . No sight or experience needed . Oneon-one teaching to knit or crochet . Yarn provided ! Learn to make lovely items !
Ross Township | Fall 2016 | icmags . com 19