Rehab Teams Deliver Comfort and Joy
Physical therapist Jon Weisblatt and his coworkers in Orleans, Chatham and Hyannis bring a little extra holiday cheer to those in need through the Homeless Prevention Council’s Adopt-a-Family program.
If Jon Weisblatt could choose one phrase to live by, it would be a line from an upbeat and feel-good song by Michael Franti and Spearhead:
“The purpose of life is to live a life full of purpose.”
The Cape Cod Healthcare physical therapist in Orleans says he and his wife, Kathy, incorporate these meaningful words into their everyday actions. It’s especially true around the holidays when they team up with coworkers for the Homeless Prevention Council’s Adopt-a-Family program.
This year, outpatient rehabilitation team members in the physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech departments (located in Orleans, Chatham and Hyannis) provided toys and clothing for eight children. He says his wife, Kathy, is instrumental in collecting the donations in the Hyannis office, where she works as a PT. “She makes me a better person,” says Weisblatt, adding the pair met in 1995 while working as traveling PTs (“CCH is a special place for us.”)
Weisblatt says his work begins in early October when he receives a list from the Homeless Prevention Council in Orleans (formerly known as the Interfaith Council for the Homeless). He then emails the list to all the departments, and whoever is interested can choose to buy a gift, clothing or gift card or donate money.
“Our teams are just so incredibly generous,” says Weisblatt, who has been involved with the organization for about 25 years. “People thank me for doing all this work, but it’s really a labor of love.”
Earlier this month, Weisblatt delivered dozens of bags filled with cozy shirts, pants, coats, board games and toys to the council. “We have a Subaru Outback,” says Weisblatt. “This year, it took me and another person three trips to deliver all the donations!” He adds there is no better feeling when you hand off the donations to the staff. “The people working there are just so appreciative.”
The outpatient rehabilitation teams in Hyannis (at top) and Orleans (above) work with the Homeless Prevention Council to bring joy to children over the holidays. The Chatham rehab team (not pictured) also pitches in to help every year.
Although Weisblatt typically doesn’t meet the families, one memorable moment stands out: When families picked up their items last year, a former patient of his couldn’t fit a bike for her granddaughter in her car, so he put it in his vehicle and personally delivered it for her. “It was pretty special I was able to do this for her,” he says.
The rehabilitation teams’ dedication to uplifting the community and bringing joy to children reflects a commitment to not only healing but also spreading hope and kindness.
“It’s such a great cause and I am so glad people want to take part it in every year,” says Weisblatt. “It always feels good to give.”
