The mission of Ventura County Caregivers over the past 40 years has been: ‘To promote the health, well-being, dignity and independence of frail, homebound elders through one -on-one relationships with trusted volunteers.’
“In the past decade, CAREGIVERS has doubled our geographic footprint to serve the entire County – a testament to the boundless spirit of philanthropy and the resilience of community,” said Tammy Glenn, MBA, Executive Director of CAREGIVERS. “This growth comes amid a sobering reality State and national funding for aging populations and individuals with disabilities is falling behind, even as the demand surges. Your generosity serves as a powerful reminder of the profound difference we can make together. Your generosity has been the essence of this mission, enabling us to serve every corner of Ventura County.”
The national model of service was launched in 1984. Over the course of 20 years, starting in 1984, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation invested in the idea of volunteer caregiving, starting right here in Ventura County, and extending the need to 1,000 organizations
across the country.
“It was the start of something big,” explained Glenn. “Not unlike the other 24 pilot projects, Ventura County CAREGIVERS worked with local congregations to serve as an administrative arm for the community, identifying older adults who needed the helping hands of volunteers. This model of service, with non-professional, non-medical volunteers, is able to provide a wide array of services to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. The local track record of success has been demonstrated over the last 40 years. It’s the basis of being a good neighbor, with the backing and support of a trusted organization to ensure that nobody gets in over their head, and that everyone is safe in knowing that the office team is keeping a watchful eye.”
Some of the programs offered by CAREGIVERS are:
- Building Bridges with Youth Volunteers, which has identified high school students who serve as volunteers over the past 22 years
- Faith in Action, administrative support for congregations who want to supplement their efforts with volunteer caregiving one on one matches to combat social isolation.
Continuing to develop volunteer opportunities helps out those in need. Services provided by volunteers include:
- Companionship
- Phone Friends
- Transportation Drivers
- Building Bridges
- Intergenerational
- Dementia Friendly Relief
- Honey-Do Crews
- Shop & Drop
The most recent addition, Managing Assets for Security and Health (MASH) is an innovative project funded by Ventura County Behavioral Health to address low-income seniors who are at risk for losing their housing.
“By giving today, you’re helping to continue this vital mission to help while showing the next generation the profound value of empathy and service,” said Glenn. “Let’s celebrate our 40 years of success by building a brighter future-for our senior, our volunteers, and the
entire community. Together we can change lives-perhaps even our own. Thank you for walking the journey with us. Here’s to another year of making a difference together.”
For assistance or to become a volunteer, call 805-658-89530 or visit www.vccaregivers.org.