Teamwork and Creativity Shine for the Holidays

The Ebell of Los Angeles sends its love, and SBSS clients pay it forward

If you look at the focus of SBSS’s programs, there are two constants that underpin everything we do: one is to address the crushing economic adversity faced by the older adults we serve, and the other is to offset the dual dynamics of social isolation and loneliness, both of which have debilitating effects on our clients’ physical and mental health.

When the Ebell of Los Angeles approached SBSS earlier this year about providing volunteer support, they understood our needs and came up with a project that perfectly addresses economic need and social inclusion. Thanks to the insight of Ebell Volunteer Ambassador Arden Teplow, the Ebell has organized a special holiday project to engage SBSS clients in making cards and gift packages donated by Ebell members that will be distributed to SBSS clients.

Celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, The Ebell of Los Angeles is an educational and philanthropic organization founded by women for women. It takes its name from Adrian Ebell, a doctor and advocate for women’s education in the late 19th century. Since its formation in 1894, this non-profit organization has pursued a mission “to interest women in the study of all branches of literature, art and science and the advancement of women in every branch of culture.”

The Ebell’s philanthropic component is manifested through three major initiatives: the Ebell Rest Cottage Association (RCA), Scholarships, and Social Services Volunteerism. SBSS’ women clients have benefited for many years from RCA grants, which provides funds to offset essential direct costs. In recent years, Ebell funds have been used to help SBSS clients meet the costs of everything from rent and utility bills to eyeglasses, dental bills, home appliances, citizenship applications and more. “These funds are a lifeline for our clients,” says Miguel Velasquez, a long-serving SBSS Case Manager. “Along with all of our other services, sometimes it’s the ability to take care of those expenses that makes a difference, not only for their finances, but also for their health and feeling of security. It helps them feel stronger.”

The Ebell/SBSS Holiday Project is tapping into the generosity of the Ebell’s members, as well as the community spirit of the SBSS clients themselves. Collectively, the Ebell members are donating a multitude of essential items that will be of immediate help to our clients. The donated items include personal care kits, towels, socks, blankets, mugs and more. The SBSS clients will then turn all of this positive energy into a wonderfully fun and creative shared project.

“We know that, at this time of the year, it’s so easy to feel forgotten if you don’t have family, or can’t get out to share with friends,” says Teplow, who herself is a Clinical Social Worker by training with specialties in geriatric and disability care. “We also know there are so many basic items that the SBSS clients need, and anything we can give them will make a difference. Then there’s just the good feeling that comes from sharing a creative project that’s all about giving.”

As to the above, Teplow helped the SBSS staff construct the project in two parts. Part one was a card-making session, in which over 20 SBSS clients got together and put their creative energies into hand-making 100 cards. The card-making was made possible in part to Blick’s Art Supply, which provided paper stock and discounted many more items needed for the project. Also, to the donations received to pay for these supplies.

Part two of the Ebell/SBSS Holiday Project is the gift assembly. On December 5th, SBSS clients will assemble the items donated by the Ebell members into unique, colorful hand-wrapped gift packages, and attach the hand-made cards. On December 19th, the gifts will be distributed at the SBSS Holiday Party. By sharing in the card-making and gift-wrapping, SBSS clients get to experience the bond of coming together and the joy of brightening up someone’s holiday. “It’s our community within a community,” says Velasquez.

We’re so glad to live in a place that has a community like the Ebell. We’re even more grateful that the Ebell and SBSS have formed this special relationship.

A Family Business’s Sweet Legacy to Warm Our Hearts

Linda Myerson Dean is someone who seems to be everywhere when it comes to supporting people in need. She not only serves on the SBSS Board of Directors, but also on the boards of Wayfinder Family Services, the Ebell of Los Angeles, and the UCLA Division of Geriatrics.

With her brother Jim, Linda is co-owner of Wine Warehouse, a wholesale beverage alcohol distribution company, where she serves as Senior Vice President. Wine Warehouse is a multigenerational family business that started as Ben Myerson Candy Company in the 1930’s by Linda’s grandfather, Ben.

For this holiday season, Wine Warehouse’s employees are engaged in a special giving drive called the “Winter Warm Up”. The goal is to provide much-needed hats, gloves and scarves to older adults across the state during a time of the year when staying warm is critical to staying healthy. The donated items, being bundled together in “cozy sets”, will also provide emotional support to those who might be feeling alone or neglected.

Not surprisingly, the Wine Warehouse values of inclusivity and generosity are informing the Winter Warm-Up. Linda reflects how important it was that every employee felt comfortable and capable of participating in the team endeavor. “We asked ourselves, how could we inspire everyone in the company to give? We wanted to make it a fun and joyful process but with a serious message about how we could help some people in our community who suffer from hypothermia and loneliness. The donation commitment of one ‘cozy set’ is achievable for anyone at Wine Warehouse, but taken together as a team, it means hundreds of seniors will receive the gift of warmth.”

SBSS is honored to be a recipient of the Winter Warmup drive, which will directly help countless numbers of the people we serve. And thanks to Linda and her team, we’re reminded once again of the goodness that is always there.