To Volunteer or for more information, email Gail McKee at inspire@unitedwayccfl.org
Will You be a Lifeline for Someone Else?
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director - United Way of Charlotte County
The last several weeks, listening to the United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA, free tax preparation assistance) volunteers, a trend has emerged. Honestly, we have known this for quite some time and have recruited volunteers who have a heart for this basic need. The most basic of needs in countless ways is to feel heard.
At times, all we need is someone to listen to us and our stories. We understand that loneliness can be overwhelming, and we want to offer a lifeline to those who are feeling isolated. Our VITA volunteers who we call “our phone volunteer angels” can share about the numerous clients who call for an appointment to have their taxes prepared who have lost a spouse. These individuals are making their way in the world and the voice on the other end of the phone can be just that one boost of encouragement needed to stay the course, to know others care.
UWCC set its priorities in 2022, senior isolation and access to resources became a cornerstone focus. An area of attention we speak of often is the need to reach those at home who feel disconnected from the world and from resources.
UWCC has taken several steps toward the new priorities, including hiring an Ageless Engagement Director and identifying programs that were not currently in Charlotte County but needed to be. Two such programs have seen significant investments this past year to ensure Charlotte County citizens feel connected to their community – through generous UWCC donors and leveraged support from Gulf Coast Community Foundation. These include Friendship at Home (Senior Friendship Centers) and Savvy Caregiver (The Dubin Center). Combined with the VITA program and volunteer mobilization efforts, we are happy to support the work of these programs.
The power of people helping people is evident with volunteers who serve as friendly phone callers or visitors. Gail McKee, UWCC Ageless Engagement Director states, “Volunteering for the telephone reassurance program (phone a senior) will bring a needed and welcomed service to many of our seniors who may be homebound, have little to no family or friends, or even just to brighten their day. Hearing a cheery voice on the other end of the phone will hopefully make their day brighter knowing there is someone who genuinely cares”.
Through the Friendship at Home program, when a match is made pairing a friendly volunteer with a homebound senior, magic often happens. The friendship that develops can provide meaning and purpose in both lives. For times when ends just do not seem to meet, or food is running low, there are other community supports and resources available. That is when Friendship at Home steps in to be the connector and find solutions. Erica White, Friendship at Home Coordinator for Charlotte County, reiterating their mission: “We build vibrant communities by advancing wellness, connection, and enrichment throughout the journey of aging.”
Friendship at Home is looking for volunteers to just be a friend, to brighten a day, to make a difference in someone’s life. There is an immediate need for 10 volunteers. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can get involved, contact: Gail inspire@unitedwayccfl.org or call her at 941-627-3539.
Note, for those wanting to support our mission with their donations, the perfect opportunity is coming up on April 9-10, a 24-hour online matching Giving Challenge.
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.