Neighbors Care Alliance
Seniors Helping Seniors at Interfaith Community Services
Feelings of life satisfaction and self- esteem grow as volunteers help others, use talents and abilities in new ways, or learn completely new skills. Third, volunteering increases social interaction and provides many opportunities to meet new, often diverse, people. It helps build a support system based on common interests. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers at ICS serve people in need through Senior Services programs. Here are some examples of their good work in the Tucson community. Mobile Meals Friendly volunteers deliver fresh, hot meals each weekday in Northwest Tucson to adults who are unable to cook for themselves. ICS’s partner kitchens accommodate doctor-prescribed diets such as low salt, diabetic, and gluten-free. Recipients pay a sliding scale fee based on income.
By Anne Thwaits , Communications Senior Manager Dick B. joined the volunteer corps at Interfaith Community Services (ICS) in 1997, and it didn’t take long for volunteering to become a necessary part of his life. Twenty-five years later, having reached the age of many of the Mobile Meals clients he had served for the past quarter century, he was still going strong. “Always heard this, but I have experienced it myself and now say the same thing,” said Dick when he left ICS earlier this year at age 86. “I get more out of volunteering than the people I give to.” Art A., an ICS volunteer for nearly 14 years, also talks about the personal benefits. “I volunteer because it gets me out to meet people. I make new connections and friends while I help others.” Volunteers perform essential work at ICS, allowing the social services nonprofit to provide life-changing assistance to more than 50,000 people a year. In return, their own lives are changed. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, volunteering is especially beneficial for older adults. First, it improves mental and physical health. Volunteers stay physically and mentally active. Spending time in service to others releases dopamine, reducing stress and increasing positive feelings. Second, volunteering provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills.
Wanda’s home needed electrical work. ICS helped repair her electrical panel so she could stay in her home. Transportation Transportation volunteers drive clients to medical appointments, the pharmacy, the bank, the post office, and the grocery store.
Volunteer Gerry K. (right) drives Jean Marie to the grocery store once a week and helps her shop. For more information about Senior Services programs or volunteering at ICS visit icstucson.org, or contact Tori Carlson: 520-526-9308 or tcarlson@icstucson.org. Interfaith Community Services (ICS) is a Neighbors Care Program participating in PCOA’s Neighbors Care Alliance (NCA).
Kelly K. picks up hot meals to deliver to Mobile Meals clients.
Home Repairs and Yard Work ICS volunteers do minor home repairs or yard work for clients who are physically unable to do the work themselves and can’t afford to hire a landscaper or handyman.
July 2023, Never Too Late | Page 31
Pima Council on Aging
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