Neighbors Help Bring Value to Their Communities Neighbors Care Alliance
For information about volunteering or starting a Neighbors Helping Neighbors program, please contact roads@pcoa.org, or call (520) 258-5063. Need help, information? Call the PCOA Helpline at (520) 790-7262 A : The best way to answer this is “To be willing to BE THERE!” People volunteer for lots of different reasons. But each person starts because they are willing to step out. There are so many needs and so many causes that the opportunities are endless.” Another Neighbors Care Alliance member, Lend A Hand was also recently featured in local news: https://www.kold.com/2019/09/02/lend-hand-seeks-volunteers- help-seniors/ http://www.lahseniorhelp.org/ Nori Markowski , TENHN’s coordinator for 9 years, began serving as a volunteer in 2006. Under her guidance, TENHN has become very important, even vital to the residents of Tucson Estates. About her service and experience, Nori says: “It is a gift to know and learn from the people we serve. I have grown so much in this work. I’ve met people who are even 100 years old. I love to listen to their many great and amazing stories! They have been through so much, they overcame so many hurdles to get to their advanced age. I always like to say, “Children are our future and older adults are our heritage!” One of the TENHN board members, Lori Sherman was recently interviewed: Q: If you could tell folks just one thing about your volunteer work, what would it be? A : It’s worth it! Every single minute of it! Q: What do you personally get out of volunteering? A : There is a sense of satisfaction in volunteering that you never get while working. Volunteering is truly from the heart with no expectation of a personal return. Yet the satisfaction received far outweighs any reward imaginable. Q: What is the most significant thing you've done as a volunteer?
Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a simple idea of caring action that becomes priceless to those receiving that help. The 18-member volunteer programs comprising the Neighbors Care Alliance keep on giving and going in sustainable ways. They help at least 2000 aging neighbors around Pima County stay independent and safe in their homes. Since 2005, the Tucson Estates Neighbors Helping Neighbors (TENHN) program has contributed countless and priceless services to their community. Located west of Tucson, this large 55+ Retirement and Mobile Home Park is enriched by the strong organization of volunteers, coordinator and supportive board allowing TENHN to continue serving for so long and in many ways. They offer transportation for doctor appointments, pharmacies and groceries; they might help with minor home maintenance or yard clean up; they check in with neighbors by phone or in-person visits; they offer social events throughout the year; they assist with security, companionship, caregiving, providing resources and information for care, too. Stepping In, Stepping Up Sometimes they can step in for urgent potentially dangerous situations. See this link on a recent local news posting about caring for others during the very hot summer: https://www.kold. com/2019/08/14/neighbors-helping-neighbors-deal-with-heat/ And, during a recent water main break that lasted a few days, TENHN stepped up to help residents receive bottled water. They also checked closely with those needing water for their swamp coolers. TENHN “exists to provide the needed help to stay home independently, safely and with dignity a little longer.” Since 2008, when service data began to be reported and collected, TENHN volunteers provided over 16,000 services, driving over 125,703 miles for their neighbors, while uncounted miles were driven around the neighborhood on golf carts! In a recent survey, a recipient of services said, “For 7-8 years I've received these services. I cannot say enough good things about the program, people, service!” Another said, “I am just so very grateful to all those involved in helping me. They are all so courteous and thoughtful and kind. I am humbled and grateful because I am not used to such kind treatment.”
Page 26 | October 2019, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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