Natalie Kaplan Receives 2018 MA-ALA Volunteer Award

Pictured left to right: Megin Hemmerling, Executive Director of Harriet and Ralph Kaplan Estates and Natalie Kaplan at MA ALA awards dinner.

Natalie Kaplan was recently honored at the 2018 Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (MA-ALA) Excellence Awards Dinner for her outstanding volunteer work at Harriett and Ralph Kaplan Estates. The association recognized Natalie for her outstanding volunteer work on behalf of Kaplan Estates and her long-time dedication to the assisted living residents. Harriett and Ralph Kaplan Estates is operated by Chelsea Jewish Lifecare.

“We feel extremely fortunate to have Natalie working with our seniors,” said Megin Hemmerling, Executive Director of Kaplan Estates. “She has touched every part of our organization, from fund raising, to providing comfort to residents on our health care side, as well as creating innovative programming for our assisted living. Our residents and staff truly adore her. In short, Natalie’s creativity, generosity and remarkable stamina are an inspiration to our entire community.” Megin added, “For us, Natalie Kaplan is the ultimate volunteer and a tremendous asset to our organization.”

A very young and active 90, Natalie spearheaded the development of the Natalie Kaplan Speakers Bureau. Each month, Natalie finds interesting and accomplished speakers to come in and speak with the Kaplan Estates residents. This activity has become one of the most popular and widely attended events on the Peabody campus. Programs have included a live theatre presentation of the life of Eleanor Roosevelt; a presentation by the Director of the Russell Museum of Medical History; an author ‘s story about her family’s escape as hidden victims during the Holocaust and an architect who spoke on the evolution of the creation of Boston’s Back Bay, among many others.

In her “down” time, Natalie knits beautiful blankets, which she has been donating to the residents for many years.

Natalie raised her family in Malden and currently resides in Peabody.

About Chelsea Jewish Lifecare

Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, a highly respected leader in senior living, employs over 1200 people and provides care to over 800 individuals daily, with campuses in Chelsea and Peabody, MA. Offering a full continuum of services, Chelsea Jewish Lifecare (www.chelseajewish.org) is redefining senior care and re-envisioning what life should be like for those living with disabling conditions. The eldercare community includes a wide array of skilled and short-term rehab residences, ALS and MS specialized care residences, traditional and specialized assisted living options, memory care, independent living, adult day health, geriatric care management, home care, personal care and hospice agencies that deliver customized and compassionate care.