Elizabeth (Liz) Rutter is a dedicated Eagles fan, active gardener, and grandmother of seven energetic grandkids. At 73, she’s retired: but on December 21st, she received the Crystal Employee of the Year award.
How? Simple … Liz works part-time for Seniors Helping Seniors, a dynamic organization that employs active senior citizens to perform such tasks as light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, and shopping for seniors who are looking for help and companionship.
Judy Fobes, the former owner of Seniors Helping Seniors of Northern Chester County, explains the benefits the organization provides: “I know how much it means to seniors to stay in their homes and keep their independence. The great difference with Seniors Helping Seniors is that we not only help them keep that independence, but they receive companionship from their own generation – from people who have shared their experiences. Seniors Helping Seniors truly creates bonds of friendship between providers and receivers.”
Liz wholeheartedly affirms the vision of Seniors Helping Seniors. “Helping older folk has always been a love of mine. When I saw the ad for Seniors helping Seniors last year, I decided to try it out. I help one receiver: a woman of 92, in good health. Two or three times a week, I spend time with her providing companionship, transportation, shopping … whatever she needs. While I often cook her meals, we also enjoy grabbing a bite to eat at a local restaurant. We have become true friends. Being able to help Seniors Helping Seniors has given me a tremendous amount of joy.”
Each year, Judy selects one provider to receive the Crystal Employee of the Year award. “The award is given to recognize people who have made outstanding achievements. They are kind, loving, caring, compassionate human beings who go above and beyond their duties. They do so not because it’s their job, but because they want to. This year, I was proud to give the award to Liz Rutter. I am so grateful to have her as a provider at Seniors Helping Seniors.”
The award, along with a commemorative Swarovski crystal ornament and an Amex gift card, was presented to Liz at an in-house ceremony. She was surprised but thrilled to receive the commendation. “I don’t do it for the money, nor for the recognition,” she explains. “It’s the feeling you get in your heart that makes you want to continue to do it. To receive the award makes me feel proud that I’ve done a good job.” For more information on how to provide or receive services through Seniors Helping Seniors®, contact Dara Trout at 610-590-4888.