Borys and Svitlana Molchanov will spend Valentine’s Day the same way they live any normal Tuesday, volunteering together at the Early Head Start – Garland center and then going home to cook dinner.
The Molchanov’s met in Ukraine and moved to the U.S. several decades ago. Their native language is Russian, and they found it difficult to socialize in their new country. They connected with The Senior Source’s Foster Grandparent Program, and we found the perfect volunteer opportunity for them at an early education center where they assist the special needs children in their daily tasks. The enthusiastic volunteers spend 40 hours per week working in their classrooms with preschoolers. They read, play, assist with classroom activities, and offer support and hugs when needed.
We asked the Molchanov’s a few questions, and their answers were nearly as cute as the lovebirds themselves.
Do you enjoy serving as volunteers together?
We have been together for 65 years, so we are used to doing everything together. It is easy for us to be together all the time and go from home to work. We never do anything apart and are completely united. At school we have teachers we love and a beautiful garden.
Did you learn anything about each other or see a different side of each other when you started volunteering together?
No, we already knew everything about each other. Our own children are grown up and we pass this love on to the little children at the school.
If other couples are thinking about volunteering together, would you recommend it and what advice would you give them?
I wish everyone could volunteer and open their hearts to these children. It’s a good experience and it brings so much joy and happiness to you and the child. It is good to see the children smile and we enjoy talking to each other. There is joy in the communication. The volunteer time also gives us a good balance to our days with something to do in our free time.
About the Foster Grandparent Program
Foster Grandparent volunteers work one-on-one with children with special needs in schools, early childhood education centers, medical settings, and shelters to help jumpstart children on a
path of success.
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer? Contact Jaime Leguizamo at JLeguizamo@TheSeniorSource.org or call (214) 525-6126.
About The Senior Source
Since 1961, The Senior Source’s mission has been to enhance the quality of life for older adults in greater Dallas. We are proud to be the go-to resource for everything older adults may need including financial guidance, advice on long-term care facilities, or ways to connect with others through volunteerism. We assist more than 25,000 seniors and their families with the services, programs, and resources they need to be happy and secure in their later years.
