Neighbors Care Alliance
Volunteers Sought for Lend A Hand A Neighbors Care Alliance Program
By James (“Jim”) Austin , Coordinator
Most older adults prefer to live independently, but many must move to residential care in a facility, or with family far from their community of choice. A program of PCOA’s Neighbors Care Alliance (NCA), Lend A Hand is a local nonprofit that serves twelve Ward 3 neighborhoods surrounded by Oracle, Elm, Country Club, and the Rillito River. Lend A Hand’s clients are older adults and people with disabilities, many of whom have no family in the area. Simply, they need a helping hand.
LAH has provided services to seniors at no-cost since 2006. LAH currently has approximately 120 clients and 60 volunteers. Jim Austin, the LAH Coordinator, oversees the program and collects data for its transportation and errand-running services. Between April 1 and December 31, 2021, LAH received 1,189 requests for transportation and/or errands from 80 different clients. And 77% of these requests were provided by 10 volunteers! LAH looks to enhance their volunteer roster. “Volunteering is a great way to meet…amazing people, hear… fantastic stories, and become very close to some of the wonderful seniors in the neighborhood,” says Austin. Volunteers enable older adults to reside safely in their homes by providing transportation to important appointments, running essential errands, and addressing care needs. If you want to “pay it forward,” consider becoming a Lend A Hand volunteer! Volunteers set their own schedules, and can choose with whom, when, and to where they are willing to provide transportation.
To learn more, visit www.lahseniorhelp.org, email coordinator@lahseniorhelp.org, or call (520) 248-6882. • Produce and food box delivery • Minor home repair and yard clean-up • Social events and community outings • Friendly visits and phone calls Lend A Hand has additional volunteer opportunities including:
Lend A Hand (LAH) help older adults age in place, and stay comfortably and safely in their own homes. Thanks to many volunteers through the years,
March 2022, Never Too Late | Page 29
Pima Council on Aging
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