A Bittersweet Farewell to DOROT

Today I completed a 15 month assignment at DOROT, an organization on the Upper West Side of Manhattan which focuses on reducing social isolation for older adults and promoting inter-generational activities. My role was to help roll out a new tech coaching program, helping older adults to learn how to better use their smartphones by matching them with volunteers who would visit them for 4 weeks at the client’s home. I prepared step by step guides on many common smartphone applications, now which are available online. But I also was fortunate to get to know many of DOROT’s clients and volunteers, many who I contacted in recent weeks to let them know that I’d be leaving.

Earlier this afternoon, I was asked to attend a Zoom event which was titled ‘Norman’s farewell.’ Amazingly, over 20 colleagues attended, each taking a turn to wish me well and describe how I impacted them during my time at DOROT. Since we were all remote, it was much different from the typical goodbye event when I’ve left previous jobs, but it was probably the most touching tribute I’ve ever enjoyed. Afterwards, I gathered again with my co-workers within the Connect Through Tech department, including my manager Lorraine and colleague Nina who I worked most closely with. Again, I was amazed by how affected others were about my departure.

Working at DOROT has truly been a wonderful experience for me, especially since its mission so closely ties to my personal focus on helping older adults to live well. I want to publicly thank everyone who made me feel so welcome and appreciated during my brief but memorable tenure.