Delores Newell: Volunteer of the Decade
From volunteer to resident at the Oak Park Arms

Delores Newell loves to walk. In fact, she loves to move her body through any type of exercise. Many years ago, one of her friends told her about an exercise class at the Oak Park Arms Senior Living Community located at 408 S Oak Park Avenue. She tried it, and she liked it, especially the people.

Thirteen years ago, she liked it so much she asked if she could volunteer at the retirement community. On Saturday, April 22, 2023, the final day of National Volunteer Week, Delores was awarded Volunteer of the Decade at the Oak Park Arms.

“As a volunteer, I did a little bit of everything,” she said. “I called Bingo, led exercise, led miniature golf, went to movies with the residents, and more.”

Always, she continued her walking even in the snow. Her family worried, of course, so they convinced her to move into the place she loved so much – the Oak Park Arms. The move took place Thursday, December 1, 2022.

“Delores has been an amazing volunteer over the last 13 years, and we love seeing her smile at our activities and events. Now that she is a resident, we’ll see her smile even more.”

Renee Steingard, director of resident engagement at the Oak Park Arms.

She is amazed at how many people know her. She plans to continue her volunteering, giving herself the title – ‘in-house volunteer.’ Delores feels very rewarded by helping people.

“Beautiful people work here and live here,” she said. “And I will continue my walking.”

The Oak Park Arms Senior Living is a rental retirement community which provides senior housing in the form of independent living and assisted living apartments. Additional services include respite care and an award-winning adult day care program. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

For more information about the Oak Park Arms call 708-386-4040.

Read the story about Delores in the Chicago Tribune – Oak Leaves.