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Caring Hands Volunteers Celebrate Nine Years
Volunteers Honored for Dedication
Walnut Creek, CA - On February 28th, the Caring Hands Volunteer Program celebrated nine years of providing "matches" between community volunteers and area seniors who need a helping hand. The milestone was marked with a festive appreciation dinner at John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus. More than 130 people were in attendance.
Caring Hands is a collaborative effort of John Muir Health, local congregations of various religious faiths, representatives from social service agencies and the community-at-large. Their mission is to enable frail, isolated and disabled seniors over the age of 60 to stay in their homes, and remain independent, as long as is safely possible by providing free non-medical in-home assistance.
In 2007, Caring Hands' 304 volunteers provided nearly 20,000 hours of service to the area's elderly and 364 seniors were served. Since 1999, when Caring Hands was first organized to meet a need in the community, the group has served more than 1,000 seniors and provided 40,000 one way assisted rides. Matches are made throughout Central, East and South Contra Costa County.
Carol Louisell, Caring Hands Program Manager, offered congratulations and sincere appreciation to all who have been involved with the program, which continues to change the lives of so many local seniors as it connects those who care with those in need.
Groups of volunteers trained in 2007 and who served more than 1000 hours were acknowledged at the event.
Ollie Anderson and Jo Quiggins, both of Martinez, shared how Caring Hands has enriched their lives. Ollie, 85, has been a caregiver with Caring Hands since 1999. A retired nurse, she has been matched with Jo since 2000, driving her to medical appointments, helping with shopping and errands and above all being a friend. Jo, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, is thankful for the companionship and the help that Ollie and Caring Hands have provided.
Recognition
Walnut Creek Mayor Gwen Regalia, was also on hand to celebrate the achievements of Caring Hands. Contra Costa County Supervisor, Mary Nejedly Piepho spoke to the group, congratulating Caring Hands volunteers for their continued dedication to the community.
Pastor Bill Barrett of the Saint Mathew Lutheran Church Foundation, 2005 Caring Hands Vintage Review Honoree Dick Clancy of Security Pacific Real Estate and Bev Jones, Senior Vice President of Patient Services for John Muir Health were recognized for their financial support of Caring Hands alongside Walnut Creek Mayor Gwen Regalia, Devlyn Sewell from the city of Concord and Barbara, Larry and Hannah Schuh of Companion Care; Barbara was a 2007 Caring Hands Vintage Review Honoree.
About Caring Hands
Caring Hands volunteers provide social support such as transportation and escort, shopping and errands, friendly companionship, and non-medical care to help enable frail, isolated and disabled elders to remain independent as long as safely possible.
The next training session for those interested in becoming a Caring Hands volunteer is scheduled for May 30, 2008. Those interested in volunteering should call Caring Hands at the number below for a pre-registration interview and orientation.
For more information about the program, call (925) 952-2999 or visit, www.johnmuirhealth.com/caring_hands
(Posted March 13, 2008)