Volunteers touching lives and lifting spirits
By Fritzi Mevis, Executive Director, People Who Care
They sit comfortably together, he in the darkness that is his world now, and she slowly rocking and knitting. Proud and independent, they come from a time when you did for yourself and had no need for outside help. Those days have come and gone. John is now blind, and Edna is no longer able to drive due to a chronic medical condition. Their children are far away and their supply of groceries is getting low.
But John and Edna aren’t worried. Tomorrow, Donna, their volunteer from People Who Care, will pick up Edna and they will stop at the bank and then shop for groceries. When they get home, Donna will help Edna put away the food, John and Edna will be set for two weeks.
When the doctor’s office schedules appointments for them, Edna calls immediately to get the dates in the ride schedule at the People Who Care program office. Next week, Margaret, another volunteer, will come over to help Edna, whose hands are crippled, with writing checks and balancing her checkbook.
It’s not easy to reach out and ask for help when family and friends are not able or available. However, there comes a time when it is necessary. People Who Care is a non-profit, tax-deductible organization that provides assistance to adults who are unable to drive due to physical limitations. Enrolled clients receive caring non-medical assistance from volunteers who help residents in the community where they live: Chino Valley, Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Dewey communities.
Throughout the year, more than 400 individual enrolled client “Neighbors” receive assistance to help them remain in their homes and continue living in their communities. The majority of our Neighbors receive help several times each month, for a variety of tasks, including trips to the grocery store, transportation to healthcare appointments, support group meetings, and bank visits. Volunteers help Neighbors with vision loss read their mail and with their personal paperwork. And there are always opportunities to brighten a Neighbor’s day with a friendly visit or phone call.
People Who Care volunteers are truly the hearts and hands of a caring community.
When you give your time to help our Neighbors like John and Edna, the goodness comes back to you tenfold.
For information call 928.445.2480 or visit www.peoplewhocareaz.com.