SUN CITY – Sun City resident Judy Deering wants her neighbors to know about the Senior Care Volunteer Network.
As a volunteer for the organization, she can attest to its importance in Sun City, for both volunteers and those receiving the help.
“I had a lot of free time and I wanted to do something useful with it. I’ve been with Senior Care for over two and a half years and enjoy it very much. It gives me a good feeling to be able to help people in need and they are always thanking me for my help. Many care receivers have told me ‘I don’t know what I’d do without Senior Care Volunteer Service.’ You could say I’m paying It forward! Additionally, we are always looking for volunteers because a lot of our current ones are snowbirds and go away for the winter,” she said.
Front: Silvia Keating, Back: Andy Snarski, Aly Halberstadt,Yolanda Maksymiw, Judy Deering, Claudia Bencriscutto. (Photo by Christine Such/Sun Day)
The not-for-profit program has been around since 1998 and is available to all residents in Sun City Huntley.
Aly Halberstadt, the program’s volunteer coordinator, said, “We need volunteers to help seniors stay in their home as long as possible, to maintain their independence and dignity.”
This goal means the organization needs all the help it can get.
“There are multiple reasons we need volunteers to help us service seniors in our community. We provide drivers to deliver food boxes, friendly visits, home repair help, medical appointments, and life-enriching opportunities such as attending card games, or entertainment,” said Halberstatd.
Last year, the program’s volunteers drove more than 164,000 miles and dedicated 18,054 volunteer hours to help more than 1177 local seniors.
“Over 50% of our volunteers help with the transportation problems seniors have. They are housebound and isolated. We get them to their doctor’s appointment, dialysis, and even take them to card games. It’s important that we give them an opportunity to socialize,” Halberstadt said,
Andy Snarski, a volunteer that provides transportation for Sun City residents, said, “The services help seniors get the care they need, alleviating their anxiety.”
The goals of the center are to let seniors know there is someone there for them, someone who cares, and they know they can still be an integral part of their community and remain independent longer.
The center also has a loan program for equipment that is donated. It’s free to all residents of Del Webb. There are wheelchairs, walkers, canes, shower benches and raised bathroom toilets to name a few resources.
But all of this help requires behind the scenes effort.
Halberstadt said, “Our need for volunteers is great. Please consider volunteering with us. An hour of your time is all it takes to make a real difference in the life of a senior who needs you! We are very flexible and will take any time that can be given. We welcome snowbirds also. We hope you can fit us in when you can.”
If you are able to donate some time, please contact Halberstadt at aly@scvnmchenrycounty.org.
“Also, if there is a need for any of the services or equipment that are offered, please call our office at 815-455-3120,” Halberstatd said.
