Senior Care Services of Greater Princeton Honors Lifelong Volunteer

PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY (November 6, 2024) – Homebound seniors are more likely to have multiple chronic physical health conditions (most commonly heart disease and circulatory problems) and psychiatric illnesses (most commonly dementia, and depression), compared to non-homebound elderly individuals, according to the National Institutes of Health. To help mitigate these challenges, Senior Care Services of Greater Princeton offers transportation, shopping services and friendly visits to 75 seniors in the local community. The organization will honor a lifelong volunteer and a business leader for their dedication and support during its 40th Anniversary Red Carpet Celebration on November 14, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal.

"I am proud to have led Senior Care Services of Greater Princeton as Executive Director for the past 3.5 years, dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors and their families. When I was invited to join the organization in 2021, I was eager to contribute to its growth and community impact,” Adriana Morabito said. “My primary objectives include strengthening volunteer engagement and community outreach. Through collaborative efforts, we successfully enhanced our capacity to support seniors, fostered meaningful connections, and solidified our reputation as a compassionate community resource.”

“Senior Care Services has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of seniors in our community. With the help of our volunteers, a key component of our vision is identifying and serving those who need our assistance most,” Adriana added. “Raising awareness about our organization is key and can be achieved through relationships with local businesses, senior centers, social service organizations, and other local non-profits whose focus is like ours. By collaborating with other organizations and leveraging community resources, Senior Care Services can become a vital lifeline for those in need.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have made a positive difference in the lives of many, and I look forward to continued growth and service,” Adriana added.

Lifelong Volunteer Eleanor Nelson

Eleanor Nelson volunteered for Senior Care Services from the time the organization was founded as the Senior Care Ministry in 1984 until just a few years ago. She visited people mostly in their homes and also in the local hospital, where she also asked if they wanted communion and made that happen for those who were interested.

Eleanor remembers when the organization separated from St. Paul’s Church and broadened to serve people of all religions. “It snowballed. There’s so much need,” she said.

“I realized what a privilege it is to volunteer. We learn more about people in general and aren’t so critical of people because we realize that everyone is so different not only in their needs, but lifestyle – everything.”

“I’m honored. I didn’t expect this because I had stopped volunteering five years ago since I couldn’t drive anymore,” Eleanor said.

“Senior Care Services will not become a has-been. It’s too important. Many people are keeping it going and bringing others into the organization,” Eleanor added.

Eleanor Shared Compassion through Many Talents and Much Volunteer Work since her Youth

Eleanor was born in 1927 in Perth Amboy, NJ. Her father died when she was 3 ½ and her mother raised her younger sister and her through the Great Depression with the help of family, friends and neighbors. Her special talent for music led her to study at Trenton State Teacher’s College where, again with the help of her extended family of friends and neighbors, she was able to continue her studies and graduate with the top job offer at the time at Valley Road School in Princeton. In fact, she was the first music teacher ever hired in the township. Arriving in Princeton in 1949, she also quickly acquired a roster of private piano students along with her public-school duties and was soon invited to join the Princeton Music Study Group, an organization whose members included Professor Albert Einstein. They would meet at private homes of the members and perform music for each other. She recalls Professor Einstein performing a piece for violin and piano at one of these mini “concerts”.

Soon after arriving in Princeton, Eleanor met and married Bob Nelson, a local boy who had just started his glass shop on Nassau Street, and they spent the next years starting their family of four girls, caring for her mother Rose (who lived with them for another 35 years), and renovating rental properties in the Borough. Eleanor and her sister founded The Fabric Shop on Chambers Street and shortly thereafter, when her daughter Nancy started attending the newly formed Stuart Country Day School, which desperately needed help with extracurricular offerings, and Eleanor volunteered to teach a sewing class.

Along the way, Eleanor became active in the Lioness Club and the Soroptomist Club (and she is still a member 50 years later!), both of which raised money for scholarships and supported local charities. Eleanor played piano at various events at her beloved church, St Paul’s, and eventually, as her daughters headed off to college, became a volunteer with St. Vincent DePaul and the Senior Care Ministry. As her love of playing the piano reemerged, she found herself also sharing her gift with residents of Princeton’s elderly care centers. The songs from the World War I were particularly appreciated, and she slowly came up with the notes and melodies that she remembered from listening to the songs her uncles used to sing when she was a child.

Eleanor had to eventually give up her driving, so is no longer able to do the volunteer work she so loved. She always tells her adoring family, which has grown to include 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, to skip the gifts at Christmas and her birthday and instead donate to her favorite charities, which they generously do. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm for giving became quite infectious to all who grew to know her. When she feels sad about no longer being able to donate her time to help others and wonders about the reason for her purpose on this earth after 96+ years, she is reminded of what an inspiration she is to so many.

Business Leader Darwin Roman Also to Be Honored

Darwin Roman is a financial services professional serving the New York Metro area, President of the Latino Chamber of Commerce and a board member for various organizations. He became involved with Senior Care Services about a year ago and worked with the organization’s Board of Trustees to raise money for the annual event last year.

“I’m inspired by Senior Care Services’ mission to help and care for elderly individuals. I believe seniors are one of the greatest assets we have, and it is our duty and obligation to make sure they’re cared for after they have taken care of us. This organization is crucial. We need to keep it going with growth and leadership,” Darwin said. “I’m following through on the philosophy and a quote I always talk about: ‘If service is beneath you, then leadership is beyond you.’ If you’re going to be a leader, be a servant leader and always follow through.”

“We need strength to keep the legacy and services going. The next generation needs to step in,” Darwin added. “Supporting the elderly community helps not just the seniors, but also their families and the community at large. We have the ability to make a huge impact.”

To attend the event and for more information about Senior Care Services of Greater Princeton, call 609-921-8888 or visit www.seniorcareservicesgp.org.