Taking Action by Taking Care of Our Own

Volunteer Program

Caileigh Scott, SAG-AFTRAMPTF Volunteer

The entertainment industry is like no other.Stars are born. Dreams come true.Hollywood endings are made.Behind the scenes though, careers and lives are filled with unpredictability.

MPTF volunteers understand.

We, too, are part of this industry community. We aspire to the fundamental promise that MPTF’s founders made more than 90 years ago – to give back to our fellow industry members in times of need. Whether those needs are due to hardship, isolation, age, bad luck or simply a desire to connect, we step up and we make a difference.

Thousands of us find reward in giving back each year. It’s profound and it’s personal. Become an MPTF volunteer and help continue the promise of taking care of our own.

We Make A Difference…

Peter Dunne

“I’ve been an avid supporter of MPTF since I first joined the entertainment industry as a television writer and producer 30 years ago. So when I got the chance to offer residents a one-month writer’s workshop on campus, I jumped. What I didn’t know was that the month would turn into a year, and that year would have no end in sight. The residents, some of whom have no previous writing experience at all, write memoirs, novels, poetry, and short stories, then help each other improve their writing. They have such fascinating lives, and some of the work is amazingly beautiful. I thought this activity would be a fun way to spend some time giving back, but didn’t realize it would also be so profound. Creativity really does last a lifetime.”

Tony Lawrence, left, MPTF resident, WGA, and Peter Dunne volunteer, Writer’s Workshop leader, WGA

Dawn Jackson

“I originally joined MPTF’s community volunteers as an opportunity to give back, but as it turns out, what I got in the end was worth a lot more than that: a friend. Twice a month I meet up with Louise and we go shopping together at local stores such as Ralph’s, Trader Joe’s, Rite Aid, and even local farmers’ markets. ­ese aren’t quick jaunts to the store, but entire mornings spent between friends, walking the aisles of Costco for upwards of five hours. Since we started shopping together I’ve seen her energy and stamina skyrocket, to the point where she doesn’t need to rest as frequently, and doesn’t need her walker. She’s become a true companion and I’ve loved watching her health improve.”

Dawn Jackson, left, Producers Guild, Friendly Visitor Volunteer, and Louise Williams, Local 174

David Weiser

“When I first became an MPTF computer tutor I didn’t realize I’d have the chance to make such a big impact on someone’s life. I was originally tasked with helping Joyce learn some basics of computing, but when her screen broke, we had to improvise. I ended up helping Joyce salvage a file containing her screenplay and printed it in a large-font format. We began working on revisions and she submitted the screenplay to a regional competition that was sent back with some great notes. What I didn’t realize is that my time with Joyce would help to break her routine and ‘change her life.’ Something that seemed so effortless to me has made such a difference and helped get Joyce excited about writing again. It’s been extremely rewarding.”

David Weiser, left, Assistant Editor, Computer Tutor Volunteer, and Joyce Wakefield SAG-AFTRA

Volunteer Opportunities

Home SafetyWith the help of volunteers to make home modifications for improving safety, seniors can continue living independently in their own homes. Home Safety volunteers put their handy skills to use in ongoing home improvement and repairs, or come together for our large events, where all skill levels are welcome.

Friendly Visitors Volunteers are matched with seniors in their neighborhoods who benefit from regular social visits from fellow industry members. Friendly visits offer tremendous benefits to seniors including improved physical, mental, and emotional health and keeping a positive outlook.

Phone Buddies Volunteers are matched with seniors who benefit from weekly socializing on the phone. Many times seniors are socially isolated due to frailty or medical issues. Phone Buddies provide companionship, support, and help someone to feel connected to the entertainment community.

Computer Tutors Computer Tutors help seniors stay connected with their family and friends by developing basic skills such as composing emails and opening a�achments. Seniors benefit from the comfort of having someone alongside them as they expand their world through the use of internet, capturing life stories in a digital format and more.

Grocery Shoppers Volunteers help seniors who need assistance with grocery shopping due to frailty, balance issues, or who no longer drive. Grocery shopping assistance helps seniors maintain a sense of independence, as well as a home stocked with fresh food.

Palliative Care Palliative Care volunteers are integrated into the interdisciplinary team that provides support and care to industry members facing the challenges of a chronic or terminal illness. Individuals interested in becoming a Palliative Care volunteer receive special training.

Pool or Fitness Buddies Volunteers are paired up with individuals who need assistance swimming or using the fitness equipment at the Saban Center for Health and Wellness.

Wasserman CampusMultiple opportunities exist to work with MPTF residents, from companionship to more specialized needs like feeding frailer residents.

Special ProgramsIndustry members bring their special talents and run activity groups for MPTF residents.

Other Ways to Help­ere are many ways to support MPTF and give back to your entertainment industry community. Please consider making a gi� – every dollar makes an impact. Your generosity of 15,000 annual donors—donors just like you—ensures MPTF can provide vital programs and financial assistance to industry members in times of needs.

Visit MPTF.com/donate

Media CenterMPTF’s award-winning media center produces original content by and for MPTF residents, in addition to video that helps support MPTF organizational messaging goals. Volunteers use their professional skills to assist with media center activities.

EventsMPTF holds numerous fundraising and marketing events each year and o�en volunteers are needed for hands-on assistance or as passionate spokespeople about MPTF.

Do you have something in mind not listed here? Contact us and we’ll explore opportunities.

Call toll-free 855-760-MPTF (6783)email: info@mptf.com web: www.mptf.com Irvin Paik, Editors Guild

MPTF Volunteer

Each year MPTF volunteers give back to their entertainment industry community with almost 40,000 hours of service!

From assistance with fitness, computers and feeding, to playing games, teaching classes, companionship, media production, home safety rebuilds and more—on campus and in the community—industry members of all ages take the opportunity to get involved and declare, “I’m MPTF.”

Please join us, and more than 15,000 annual MPTF donors, in making a difference in the lives of thousands of people in our community.

To give, get involved or find out more:

We take care of our own

Call toll-free

855-760-MPTF (6783)

email

info@mptf.com

web

www.mptf.com