“Did you know that CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly in Ventura County is one of the original pilot programs for volunteer caregiving in the nation?”
Executive Director Tammy Glenn said that, “CARGIVERS was one of 25 pilot programs founded in 1984. The model in Ventura Count has inspired more than 600 similar programs around the country.”
Glen started with CAREGIVERS in 2012. She had been a caregiver to her mother for 20 years. Besides personal experiences, she has had a combined professional experiences of fundraising, marketing and management that she has been able to bring to the organization.
“We serve more than 500 seniors in six cities throughout Ventura County,” according to Glenn. “Our service by volunteers is all based on the idea that a simple neighborly deed can make a big difference in the life of a senior. The neighborly need is tailored to the senior and what they need. This may include companionship, transportation to a grocery store, or to the doctor.”
“Volunteers give 2-4 hours a week to a senior in need. We make a huge difference in the lives of seniors who may be isolated and lonely if they don’t have family living nearby.”
She also mentioned that in addition to the one-on-one matches, volunteers Phone Friends are those who make compassionate calls to fit the needs and interests of the particular senior that the volunteer is matched with. “Some of the relationships that we’ve introduced go back 20 years. That’s how we differ from other organizations.”
Glen said that, “We work with 70 other organizations in Ventura County, such as, Shop-Ahoy, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurses, and Dial-A-Ride. We partner so that between all of us, we’re able to provide a comprehensive care to seniors in need.”
“We just had our 22nd Annual Wearing of the Green golf tournament”. This year we added a ‘Green Tie Hoolie’, “which is an auction/fundraising event at the Tower Club in Oxnard” Glen said. To donate or to become a volunteer, call CAREGIVERS at 658-8530 or go to www.vccaregivers.org.
April 16, 2014 Ventura Breeze