What is Betsy’s Buddies?
Betsy’s Buddies is geared to facilitate one-on-one visitations between volunteers and home-bound members in our community. This companionship program will pair people with mutual values and interest in the hopes of building a mutually rewarding relationship for both the volunteers and their buddy. Because even in a vibrant, multifaceted community like ours, a person can become isolated for numerous reasons. We believe it can and should be different.
Of course friendship is a two way street. Through pairing “buddies”, aging or homebound community members will have the opportunity to share their invaluable life experience and wisdom. Some of the activities you may be engaged in are taking a walk, playing a game, celebrating a holiday together, listening to music, discussing current events, and learning Torah. Research shows how crucial social engagement and loving relationships help a person’s mind, body and soul remain content and vibrant. Both volunteers and participants will gain a mutually rewarding experience. These visits will become a highlight of the week, both yours and your buddy.
Activities our volunteers can expect to engage in might be taking a walk, playing a game, discussing current events, and sharing stories. We also have chicken soup available for pick up for what we call “Chit Chat and Chicken Soup!”
Chabad of Stamford is excited to be running Betsy’s Buddies Program in memory of Betsy Polakoff, OBM, a lifelong, avid member of Hadassah and benefactor of Chabad of Stamford.
Betsy’s Buddies Events
Starting in 2020 Betsy’s Buddies started hosting events to further foster community connections and fun.
Inspired by the unique isolation created by Covid 'buddies' and volunteers received ingredients prepared by 7th grade students of the Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy and gathered on Zoom for an evening of cooking and games.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Betsy's Buddies Lunch in the Sukkah - Wednesday, October 4 at 12pm
Betsy's Buddies Chanuakah Lunch - Wednesday, December 13 at 12pm
Please click belosw to enjoy photos from some of our past events:
Intergenerational Chanukah Lunch with the Children of Gan Yeladim
Volunteer for Betsy's Buddies!
Even in a vibrant, multifaceted community like ours, a person can become isolated for numerous reasons. We believe it can and should be different.
Volunteer for Betsy's Buddies to help make this difference!
Volunteer
Suggest A Buddy Know someone who can use another friend in their life? Someone elderly, someone dealing with an illness or for any other reason, fill out this short form and we will pair them with someone.
Commitment:
To call your buddy once a week
To visit your buddy at least twice a month
Aside for visitations there are other volunteer opportunities such as shopping, cooking, delivering etc. please note your preferences in the comments.
Questions? Email programs@stamfordchabad.org or call 203-3CHABAD
About our namesake Betsy Polakoff
Betsy Polakoff was a wonderfully kind woman who was fiercely committed to Jewish causes. A staunch, life long member of Hadassah, she visited Israel on one of their organized trips and spoke about how impressed she was. Betsy always loved when children visited her. She felt it was very healing for her.
Betsy was an excellent accountant and always had a clear mind, Thank G‑d. She always knew exactly what she needed.
"Last week I went with Shlomo and my baby to deliver food to Betsy. It was a wonderful experience, we basked in her glory, shared different tales and it was very rewarding!"