Ashlar Seeks Volunteers For

 Lay Geriatric Ministry Program

Since 1993, Ashlar of Newtown’s nationally recognized Lay Training in Geriatric Ministry program has been teaching basic ministry skills to community volunteers who then provide spiritual care to residents of Ashlar of Newtown, the skilled nursing facility on Toddy Hill Road.

“Truly the rewards are as great as the needs in this ministry,” said Peter Garrett, a Newtown resident and a participant in the spring 2002 session. The next session of the Lay Training in Geriatric Ministry Program will begin this spring and is accepting applications from members of the community.

 More than 26 people have been trained by the program, which celebrates it tenth anniversary this year. The Rev Anne Baltzell, program director and creator, said the program is a “mutual ministry.”

“Residents of Ashlar of Newtown certainly benefit from the friendships and relationships that develop, but so too do the volunteers,” she said. “Over and over again, program participants provide positive feedback about the impact of this training on their own learning, communication, and ministry skills.”

 “Chaplain volunteers have relayed that they learned to focus, truly listen to people’s emotional and spiritual needs,” Rev Baltzell said. “The training has sharpened their sensitivity to each individual and taught them to let the person with whom they are speaking to talk from their needs.”

Rev Baltzell also said that volunteer chaplains share their skills with members of their parishes and communities, and tell her that they bring these skills home, too, encouraging deeper and more open communication with family members.

 The Lay Training in Geriatric Ministry program is open to individuals of all faiths and includes ten weeks of training classes covering topics such as the art of pastoral conversation with older persons, grief and loss, ethical issues in the nursing home, and theology and philosophy of pastoral care. Volunteer chaplains are then assigned their own “parish” of about 20 residents. Volunteers commit to spend four hours per week visiting their parish members during the next year. Visits may include activities such as conversation, reminiscing about life, reading scripture, sharing concerns, and fostering meaningful relationships that invite conversations about spirituality.

Monthly, Chaplain Baltzell provides continuing education and support sessions, which provides the opportunity for each volunteer to obtain more guidance and share his/her experiences.

 While program participants pledge a year of ministry at Ashlar of Newtown, “it is especially gratifying to me that over half of our chaplain nolunteers have chosen to continue their ministry for longer than the year,” said Rev Baltzell.

 Ashlar of Newtown’s Lay Training in Geriatric Ministry Program has been recognized for its innovation, and has been presented as a model for spiritual care giving, including at the National Conference of American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). It has also been awarded the President’s Award from the New England Association of Health Care Volunteers for outstanding volunteer programming and the New England Healthcare Assemblies Blue Ribbon recognition for commitment to innovation and creativity.

 Anyone who is interested in speaking with Chaplain Anne Baltzell to learn more about the program can reach her at 364-3146. Program volunteers will work with residents of Ashlar of Newtown, a skilled nursing facility, and the adjoining Lockwood Lodge, an assisted living residence.