Introduction:
As an interdisciplinary studies major focusing on Family Development, I have come to appreciate the tremendous impact of kindness in our lives. Social workers are critical in advocating for vulnerable populations and improving their well-being. Simple acts of kindness can profoundly affect both the giver and the recipient. For my senior capstone project, I researched the impact of empathy on seniors and organized a gift-giving drive to make a meaningful difference in their lives. As a Resident Services Coordinator at AHEAD, I initiated this project to demonstrate the power of kindness and inspire others to spread it in their communities.
The Impact of Kindness:
The concept of kindness may seem simple at first glance, but its effects on our mental health are significant. Numerous studies have shown that engaging in acts of kindness can profoundly impact our overall well-being, reducing stress and anxiety while improving our immune system. By performing small yet meaningful acts of kindness, we can create a ripple effect of positivity that benefits not only ourselves but also our community and those around us.
A study conducted by the University of Ohio suggests that individuals who perform acts of kindness experience a considerable reduction in their symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to those who attend social activities or receive cognitive-behavioral therapy (“The Mental Health Benefits of Simple Acts of Kindness,” 2023). However, people may underestimate the impact of their acts of kindness. While givers may prioritize the value of the item or action, receivers tend to place more importance on the warmth of the gesture and the positive social interaction it provides (“The Mental Health Benefits of Simple Acts of Kindness,” 2023).
Research has shown that acts of kindness can significantly impact both the giver and the receiver. When we intentionally perform selfless acts, such as volunteering or helping out a neighbor, we can effectively alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety (“The Mental Health Benefits of Simple Acts of Kindness,” 2023). Additionally, performing such acts with pure intentions can give us a sense of purpose and fulfillment, positively impacting our communities and creating a ripple effect beyond the initial action (“The Mental Health Benefits of Simple Acts of Kindness,” 2023).
Several organizations have conducted surveys and collected statistics on the impact of kindness on mental health. For instance, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation found that 86% of participants in their survey reported increased happiness, while 70% reported improved relationships with others Kumar et al., N. (2023). Good goes an unexpectedly long way: Underestimating the positive impact of kindness on recipients). The Mental Health Foundation also reported that 63% of people who volunteered for a good cause felt less stressed, and 94% said that volunteering improved their mood (Ryba, Brittney. “Volunteering Linked to Improved Wellbeing.” VOLUNTEERING LINKED TO IMPROVED WELLBEING, Core Bank, 2023).
Engaging in acts of kindness benefits the people around us and positively affects our physical health. A study published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology has shown that performing acts of kindness can reduce the risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure (Abrams, Zara. The Case for Kindness, American Psychological Association, 2021). Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggests that kindness can boost our immune system and reduce inflammation (Zaraska, Marta. “Why Helping Others Improves Your Health.” Why Helping Others Improves Your Health, WebMD, 2023). Therefore, making kindness a part of our daily routine can be a simple yet effective way to enhance our mental and physical well-being.
Aligning with Social Work Values and Ethics:
Social work is grounded in values and ethics that promote social justice and human rights. One of the core values of social work is service to others, which encompasses the commitment to helping those in need. Kindness aligns with this value as it is an act of service that can create a positive impact on the lives of others.
Another core value of social work is respect for the dignity and worth of every person. Kindness is a way of demonstrating this respect by acknowledging the humanity of others and recognizing their inherent value. It can also promote self-worth and self-esteem in individuals who may have experienced marginalization or discrimination.
Organizing a Gift Drive:
One way to demonstrate kindness and address the needs of vulnerable populations is by organizing a gift drive. Gift drives can effectively provide essential items to those who may not have the means to obtain them. They can also promote social cohesion and community by bringing people together around a common cause.
As a social work student, organizing a gift drive can be a way of putting the values and ethics of social work into action. It can promote social justice by addressing the needs of marginalized populations and fostering a sense of community and belonging. It can also provide an opportunity to learn about the needs and challenges faced by vulnerable populations and develop empathy and compassion towards them.
“The Ethical Considerations of Senior Gift-Giving: Aligning with Social Work Values”:
A senior gift-giving project aligns with social work values in several ways. Social work is dedicated to advocating for social justice, promoting human rights, and empowering individuals and communities. Gift-giving to seniors is an act of kindness that supports their well-being, and it aligns with the values of care, compassion, and service at the heart of social work.
The senior gift-giving project involves ethical considerations that were considered when organizing the drive. One ethical consideration is the principle of beneficence, which is the obligation to do good and promote the well-being of individuals and communities. The gift-giving project aims to promote the well-being of seniors by providing them with gifts that can improve their quality of life.
Another ethical consideration is the principle of non-maleficence, which is the obligation not to harm. To complete this project, I had to ensure that the gifts provided to seniors did not cause any harm or have any negative consequences for the recipients. They must carefully choose appropriate gifts that are safe and beneficial for the seniors. The principle of justice is also relevant to the senior gift-giving project. Justice involves the fair distribution of resources and opportunities. Moreover, I had to ensure that the gifts were distributed fairly and equitably among the seniors, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Finally, the principle of respect for persons is an important ethical consideration. This principle involves treating individuals with dignity and respect and recognizing their autonomy and right to decide for themselves. Therefore, I had to respect the independence and dignity of the seniors by providing them with gifts that reflect their preferences and needs.
Background and motivation:
As a Resident Services Coordinator at AHEAD, I work with seniors and adults with disabilities. My job involves introducing new residents to our resident services program, helping them connect with local resources, applying for community services, and completing their annual recertification paperwork. To be eligible to reside in our properties, tenants must live at or below the federal poverty level.
Most of the seniors I serve depend on social security as they do not have any savings or retirement plans. They live on an average of $1,200 or less per month. Providing affordable housing options to these seniors and other low-income individuals is crucial. I take pride in being part of an organization that helps improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations.
Challenges faced by seniors and adults with disabilities:
Seniors and adults with disabilities face significant challenges in accessing affordable housing and essential resources. Limited mobility, lack of transportation, and social isolation can make it difficult for them to access healthcare, food, and social services ( Kahana, Eva et al.—meeting Challenges of (Late et al., 2019).To make matters worse, many of them live on limited incomes, making it difficult to afford decent housing and other essentials, which can lead to a cycle of poverty, negatively impacting their physical and mental health. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure that seniors and adults with disabilities can live with dignity and independence.
Access to affordable housing and reliable transportation services can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals and families. Creating social programs and activities encouraging social interaction and community participation can foster a sense of belonging and help strengthen communities. By prioritizing these initiatives, we can work towards building more inclusive and supportive societies.
As someone who cares deeply about the well-being of local seniors, I understand their unique challenges and the importance of addressing them. Despite their remarkable contributions to society, they often feel neglected and overlooked. That is why I am committed to improving their quality of life, even though I juggle multiple responsibilities, including being a full-time employee, a college student, and a parent of young children.
While donating essential items to those in need can help, it is essential to recognize that more comprehensive solutions are needed to address the systemic issues that impact the lives of seniors and adults with disabilities. By working together, we can make a positive difference in their lives and ensure they receive the care and support they need to thrive.
Planning and execution of gift drive:
As part of my senior capstone project, I organized a gift-giving drive for seniors residing in two properties I manage – the Woodsville Opera Block and the Lisbon Inn. To make it happen, I sought permission from my supervisor. Next, I focused on identifying the specific needs of the 53 tenants who are either seniors or adults with disabilities and face food insecurity.
I created a survey to gather data regarding the tenants’ needs, allowing them to express their needs autonomously. After analyzing the responses, I contacted various organizations, including United Way, Wellsense, and Woodsville Guarantee Savings Bank, to acquire essential items for the tenants. I also requested the Littleton Area Conference to feature my project flyer in their monthly newsletter to spread further awareness about the project.
I shared my project at a virtual meeting organized by the North Country Regional Manager. I presented the flyer to several organizations, including WREN, Copper Cannon Camp, Racial Unity Team, NE Epilepsy Foundation, Granite State Independent Living, NH Food Bank, RESPONSE, Grafton County Senior Citizen Council, North Country Educational Services, and the Boys & Girls Club of the North Country and Central NH.
Following the meeting, Copper Cannon Camp generously donated 60 pairs of socks. At the same time, Amy Venezia, a Consumer Relations Specialist from WellSense Health Plan, contributed valuable SWAG items such as bags, hand sanitizer, tissues, notebooks, pens, masks, water bottles, and dental kits, which would be helpful for the recipients.
On November 15, Amy and I met to assemble the bags thoughtfully and carefully, ensuring that each item was placed inside with care. Moreover, I emailed my senior gift-giving flyer to Jan Carver, the AVP and Marketing Officer at Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank, who posted it in the Lisbon and Woodville offices. Jan collaborates with several local organizations to collect donations for her angel tree project, which provides Christmas gifts to needy children, and works with schools and homeless shelters to identify children who require assistance and provide them with the necessary support.
Results and impact:
The senior gift-giving project I organized for my senior capstone project significantly impacted the seniors residing in my properties. They face numerous challenges, such as social isolation, limited mobility, and food insecurity. They also need help to afford warm clothing and health-related items—the project aimed to address these challenges by providing essential items to those in need. Through the generosity of various organizations and individuals, we provided warm clothing, health-related articles, and other important items that made a significant difference in the lives of these seniors.
The gift-giving campaign brought a sense of community and connectedness to the seniors who received the gifts, which helped to combat social isolation and improve their overall well-being. The seniors’ faces lit up with joy and gratitude when they received the bags filled with warm socks, hand sanitizer, tissues, notebooks, pens, masks, water bottles, and dental kits with toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste.
Many seniors expressed gratitude and shared stories of how they had never received such gifts before. The project also helped raise awareness about seniors’ challenges and the importance of supporting vulnerable populations. It was heartwarming to see the community come together to make a difference in the lives of seniors and adults with disabilities.
The success of the gift-giving campaign was a testament to the generosity and kindness of the people in my community. Even small acts of kindness can significantly impact someone’s life. The senior capstone project was a rewarding experience for me, as I witnessed firsthand the impact of kindness on the seniors in my community. Through this project, I helped improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations and demonstrated the power of community collaboration in achieving a common goal.
Challenges and Obstacles in Organizing My Gift Drive:
Organizing a senior gift drive can be complex, particularly when identifying their unique needs. Each senior has requirements; understanding them is vital to ensure they receive the correct items and support. Additionally, it is critical to ensure that gift drives are inclusive and accessible to all seniors, considering their diverse cultural backgrounds and preferences. Cultural sensitivity and dietary restrictions should be considered when selecting gifts.
Furthermore, approaching senior gift drives with sensitivity and respect for their privacy is essential. Seniors may hesitate to receive gifts or support, and creating a safe and non-judgmental environment is imperative. It is crucial to be mindful of their dignity and autonomy, allowing them to have a say in the type of gifts they receive and how they receive them. By being conscious of these factors, one can organize a successful senior gift drive and ensure seniors feel valued and appreciated.
“The Power of Kindness in Social Work Practice”:
In the field of social work, kindness can be a powerful tool. It is critical in building trust and establishing positive relationships between social workers and their clients. One of the most effective ways to incorporate kindness into social work practice is by offering encouragement.
Empathy is another way to demonstrate kindness. When social workers empathize with their clients, they build a deeper connection and trust. Even small acts of kindness, such as offering a listening ear or a snack during difficult times, can profoundly impact.
In addition, social workers can show appreciation for their clients’ efforts. By acknowledging their hard work and progress, social workers can provide a sense of validation and boost their self-esteem. This can inspire clients to continue working towards their goals.
Incorporating acts of kindness into social work practice can create a supportive and compassionate environment for clients. It can help them feel more at ease and open to discussing their challenges, leading to more significant progress and success in their social work journey.
“Coat Lottery for Seniors: Partnering with One Warm Coat to Support Vulnerable Populations”:
I recently completed a project, and now I’m working on a new one with Jen Hanes, Director of Programs at One Warm Coat, a non-profit organization. We are joining forces to organize a coat lottery for all the tenants at my sites. To make this happen, we have received a donation of 100 new women’s coats from Garnet Hill, a popular local clothing outlet. Jen approached me to partner with AHEAD, as we are a non-profit organization that houses low-income families, adults with disabilities, and older people.
Regarding the progress of the project, I have completed three tasks:
- I designed a flyer for tenants to promote the coat giveaway.
- I created a sign-up sheet to keep track of participants who are interested in receiving a coat.
- I designed a release form for participants to sign, ensuring they understood the rules and guidelines of the giveaway.
The following steps in the project involved conducting a live draw to randomly select the names of tenants who signed up to receive a coat. We are currently waiting for the skins to be shipped to us so that we can organize them by size and prepare for the drawing event. Additionally, we will set a deadline for participants to submit their sign-up sheets.
Organizing a coat drive for seniors is an excellent way for social workers to show kindness. Seniors are a vulnerable population who often struggle to meet their basic needs, such as staying warm during winter. Social workers can help seniors feel cared for and supported by organizing a coat drive.
Moreover, organizing a coat drive for seniors can help social workers build client relationships. By listening to seniors’ needs and concerns, social workers can better understand their challenges and provide more effective support.
Conclusion:
As a social work student and Resident Services Coordinator at AHEAD, I have come to understand the impact of kindness on vulnerable populations, such as seniors and adults with disabilities. Small acts of kindness, like organizing a gift drive, can create positive change in the lives of both the giver and the recipient. Kindness aligns with the values and ethics of social work, such as service to others and respect for the dignity and worth of every person. Seniors and adults with disabilities often face significant challenges in accessing affordable housing and other essential resources, which can exacerbate their already vulnerable situation and negatively impact their quality of life. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure they can live with dignity and independence.
Works Cited
- Kahana, Eva, et al. Meeting Challenges of Late Life Disability Proactively, Academic.oup.com, 1 Aug. 2019, academic.oup.com/innovateage/article/3/4/igz023/5537998.
- Kumar, A., & Epley, N. (2023). A little good goes an unexpectedly long way: Underestimating the positive impact of kindness on recipients. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 152(1), 236–252. https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0001271
- Team, Brain, and Spine. Why Giving Is Good for Your Health, Cleveland Clinic, January 5, 2023, health.clevelandclinic.org/why-giving-is-good-for-your-health/#:~: text=Giving%20can%20stimulate%20your%20brain’s,and%20combats%20feelings%20of%20depression.
- “The Mental Health Benefits of Simple Acts of Kindness.” Psychiatry.Org – The Mental Health Benefits of Simple Acts of Kindness, February 17, 2023, www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/mental-health-benefits-simple-acts-of-kindness.
- Rowland L, Curry OS. A range of kindness activities boosts happiness. J Soc Psychol. 2019;159(3):340-343. doi: 10.1080/00224545.2018.1469461. Epub 2018 May 15. PMID: 29702043.
- Ryba, Brittney. “Volunteering Linked to Improved Wellbeing.” VOLUNTEERING LINKED TO IMPROVED WELLBEING, Core Bank, 26 July 2023, corebank.com/volunteering-linked-to-improved-wellbeing/.
- Zaraska, Marta. “Why Helping Others Improves Your Health.” Why Helping Others Improves Your Health, WebMD, 7 Aug. 2023, www.webmd.com/balance/news/20230807/why-helping-others-improves-your-health.
