Giving back can take many forms, as Robin Weiner, the 7-time Emmy-nominated producer of several successful Nickelodeon shows like iCarly and Victorious, has discovered volunteering on campus, much of it at Mary Pickford House. She first heard about MPTF through a colleague, and “after I was told MPTF’s assistance was accessible to anyone working in the industry, I immediately made a donation. When I stopped working full time, I was looking for volunteer opportunities and remembered MPTF.” Here she works with the Activities Department in Mary Pickford House and Harry’s Haven, MPTF’s memory care unit, usually two days a week, including enjoying wonderful lunches with residents. “One resident I visited used to play the piano loved classical music,” she says, “so I made a music playlist for his iPad. Another loves to snack and has a stash in his room, so I’ll make him an ice cream float and a snack plate he can nibble on after lunch.” Especially meaningful were a book of life reflections and photos she created for a resident and his family, and a filmed staged reading of a poem by another resident, Sam, produced with MPTF Studios.
As for the MPTF Activities staff, “They never fail to inspire me to do better. Amazingly, the staff know every resident’s backstory and individual quirks. They’ve fostered a true sense of community and family among themselves and the residents.” Though Robin was initially intimidated a bit by the idea of volunteering in long-term care, she says, “As it turns out, I have a lot in common with my residents. We have endless conversations about our shared industry and just about anything and everything else that I talk to my other friends about. So just do it! As a volunteer, I promise you’ll get more out of it than you ever thought was possible.” Find out how you can give back by clicking here >
