Every April, the NEKCOA makes a special effort to extend their
appreciation to over 370 volunteers that lead wellness programs, cook and
deliver meals, help with errands and shopping, provide phone support and
friendly visiting, make phone calls to friends, care for family and friends,
and so much more. Due to the pandemic, this April is very different with the
postponement of most wellness classes and workshops offered by the
Council.
“The
COVID-19 outbreak has caused our organization to face many challenges, but our
amazing team of volunteers are redirecting their efforts to help us in so many
ways,” said Meg Burmeister, Executive Director of the NEKCOA. “Since March 1st,
we have added 37 additional home-delivered meals drivers, seven meal site
assistants, and seven friendly visitors. We have teams of people sewing masks,
making phone calls for a friendly hello, and checking in on neighbors to make
sure they are safe. We are very grateful to everyone who dedicates their time
and talents to assist our elder Vermonters.”
The Council’s volunteer efforts are led by the amazing team of Karen Budde, RSVP
Volunteer Coordinator, and Patty Beckwith, Senior Companion Coordinator. They support
volunteer networks that extend across the NEK.
Established in 1971, RSVP is the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, one of
the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and over where
volunteers use life-learned skills and talents in a variety of activities to
assist in their communities. The funding for the RSVP program was recently
reinstated for the next three years.
“I am just so grateful for all the hands that have reached out,” said Budde.
“These hands were once leading wellness classes and are now stitching masks or
working with Senior Companions packing emergency food bags.”
The Vermont Senior Companion Program is a statewide program that matches
volunteers ages 55 and older with elders who need companionship and assistance.
Senior Companions aim to keep people in their own homes for as long as
possible, prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation, and give time off to
family caregivers. Senior Companions receive a non-taxable stipend, mileage
reimbursement, paid personal leave and holidays, accident and liability
insurance, paid training opportunities, and friendships that lasts a lifetime.
“It is my privilege and honor to work with this very special group of
volunteers,” said Beckwith. “The
level of friendship and support the Senior Companions provide to the elders
they serve is an inspiration
to all who know them.”
The Council had planned two Appreciation Celebration Lunches for all volunteers
this month, but they have been postponed due to the outbreak. “We will all
celebrate together when this crisis is over, and this experience will only
serve to motivate us even more to help one another,” said Burmeister.
Dianne Wyllie of St. Johnsbury has served as a volunteer with the NEKCOA since
2009. “My friend Jenny Patoine introduced me to the Growing Stronger class
before I retired, and I am now a trainer for the Arthritis Foundation Exercise
Program.” said Wyllie. “My friend Diane Montague and I share the role as
trainer and teach the class at the St. Johnsbury House. I love the class. We
are like a family, taking care of each other and getting stronger. I love to
volunteer because I enjoy helping people to remain healthy and the exercises
benefit me too.” She is also supporting her
community during the COVID-19 outbreak by sewing masks for NVRH.
If you have an interest in becoming an RSVP volunteer, contact Karen Budde at (802)
751-0431. To learn more about the Senior Companion program, contact Patty
Beckwith at (802) 334-4816.
