Brasseur, a tireless volunteer, honored for work with Petaluma seniors

Sally Brasseur has a longstanding desire to give back to her community, especially by tirelessly advocating for Petaluma’s seniors.|

Sally Brasseur has a longstanding desire to give back to her community, especially by tirelessly advocating for Petaluma’s seniors.

Brasseur, who’s spent the past five years volunteering for Petaluma-based Senior Advocacy Services as a state-certified ombudsman, visiting seniors and working to resolve various problems while also handling elder abuse cases, was recognized for her dedication with the 2016 Service to Seniors award this month.

“I’m kind of overwhelmed,” she said of the award, adding that she prefers to stay out of the limelight. “It’s an incredible honor and it’s very nice.”

The 77-year-old said she’s always had an interest in seniors and she found herself intrigued by the aging process. She lends her time to help residents at the Adobe House Memory Care Community, Sunrise of Petaluma and Springfield Place, working through issues ranging from financial abuse to squabbles over dining options, or just dropping by for an occasional visit. Though it can be a tough job, the former health care professional says she enjoys giving a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard.

Senior Advocacy Services Executive Director and Ombudsman Program Coordinator Crista Chelemedos, who nominated Brasseur for the award, said Brasseur embodies the spirit of volunteerism.

“Sally is one of the most selfless, giving individuals in Petaluma,” Chelemedos said. “She has a heart of gold.”

Chelemedos said Brasseur, who graduated from a 40-hour training class, took rigorous examinations and completed an internship as part of the ombudsman program, is able to effectively communicate with seniors and understand their needs.

“She has a unique ability to connect with the residents that is completely invaluable and special,” she said. “She’s a great listener and when she’s with someone, she’s very present. She’s the kind of person who doesn’t bring her own judgment and bias to resolving a problem.”

In addition to her service to seniors, Brasseur, who moved to Petaluma from Penngrove in 2000, volunteers to help with the Petaluma Valley Hospital Foundation Benedetti Leadership Celebration, also serving as a member of the hospital foundation board and volunteering weekly at the hospital itself.

She’s involved with planning efforts for the Petaluma Craft Beer Festival and the Hospice Golf Tournament, and she also works with a group to deliver flowers to women who are alone in nursing homes on Mother’s Day. She’s also volunteered at the Petaluma People’s Services Center nutrition center, among other community organizations.

Her daughter, Katherine Rinehart, recalled a childhood where she would often see her mother help others, with efforts including volunteering at Marin County Juvenile Hall, and even opening the family home to a young girl who had nowhere to go on Christmas.

“She feels a part of the community and in turn wants to give back to community,” Rinehart said of her mother’s local involvement. “She’s a great role model. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her support.”

Brasseur, who says she spends an average of two to three days a week dedicating her time to various volunteer pursuits, said she’s always felt compelled to serve others.

“I have a very, very strong feeling that you should give back,” she said. “That’s what prods me along ... I’ve always felt that way.”

She said she embraces the community in Petaluma and the medley of opportunities to help others.

“I love this town,” she said. “It’s such a neat community … not only that, it’s probably one of the most generous communities I’ve ever lived in. That’s part of the reason I do what I do.”

(Contact Hannah Beausang at hannah.beausang@arguscourier.com. On Twitter @hannahbeausang.)

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