Like so many of us, Louise Siegel had three different remotes for her television set up at home. She was challenged with figuring out which combinations of gadgets to use for the various pieces of equipment. But have no fear, Siegel has it all straightened out and working smoothly, thanks to Jewish Family Services’ Help@Home volunteer handyman TJ Chambers, who spent time with her to go over the high-tech equipment.
“He was very patient with me,” Siegel said. “I was so grateful — he came out three different times to help.”
But Chambers was more than a handyman; through Help@Home he and Siegel formed a special relationship.
“We are friends because he’s done things for me above and beyond his job,” Siegel said. “He’s so nice and wonderful. I trust him.”
Chambers feels the same.
“I really get enjoyment out of helping people like Siegel and making new friendships,” he said.
Help@Home, Jewish Family Services “aging in place program” was modeled after successful programs both in the United States and Israel. Help@Home was created to meet the needs of Kansas City’s growing older adult population by offering high quality, dependable home repair services and a greater access to a variety of other services which help maintain independence and provide for peace of mind. The program is open to anyone 65 and older or those younger than 65 with a mental or physical disability, regardless of religion or ethnic background. The service is provided for a monthly fee, which can be as low as $5 and is assessed on a sliding scale.
Currently, there are 235 people enrolled in Help@Home — and new members, as well as volunteers, are welcome to join the program.
Bob Brennan is a retired high school administrator who has been serving as a volunteer handyman for more than a year. In his early 60s, Brennan wasn’t ready for the retired, laid-back lifestyle.
“When I retired I had a sense of being lost,” Brennan said. “With this, I like the freedom of calendaring when I want to help. And when I’m finished, there’s a sense of what I’ve done is for someone else.”
Help@Home members have access to the services of a community handyman and his volunteer helpers who are able to help with minor home repairs such as plumbing, electrical, paint and drywall, installing safety equipment like handrails and grab bars, etc. They also assist with other “around the house”’ chores like assembling items, moving things, hanging pictures, flipping mattresses and cleaning gutters — things that have become challenging for some older adults.
Brennan does small electrical wiring projects, painting, minor plumbing and other odd chores. Among those Brennan has done work for is Help@Home member Irene Strauss.
“She’s a sweetheart,” he said.
A stroke survivor and an ordained Baptist minister, Brennan has found great joy in the new friendships he’s made as a volunteer handyman.
“I listen very carefully and validate who they are and by the end of the encounter, we’re old friends.”
Dawn Herbet, who works directly with the program as JFS director of older adult initiatives, said Help@Home helps older adults stay in their homes, as well as helps create long-lasting friendships.
“We know of so many of our members who have formed friendships with our staff and volunteers. As one of our members said, ‘I know if I call with a problem someone who is trustworthy will be out to guide and or help address the problem.’ ”
Siegel has been so pleased with the assistance she’s received through Help@Home that she passed along information to her daughter, who works for Jewish Family Services in Minneapolis.
“I count my blessings every day — if you live in a house by yourself, it’s such a blessing,” she said.
And it goes both ways, Brennan said.
“It’s what God wants me to do in my own quiet way,” he said.
If you would like to become a Help@Home member or for more information about the program, contact Herbet at 913-327-8239 or email her at . Those who wish to volunteer can send an email to or call 913-730-1410.