Some seniors – who may have lost friends, are homebound or whose families live far away or are otherwise unavailable – have limited opportunity for companionship and camaraderie. Enter the Faith in Action Volunteers, a nonprofit interfaith organization dedicated to helping seniors age in place.
FIA Volunteers just celebrated its 10th year in action. Serving Highland Park, Highwood, Deerfield, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, Lincolnshire, Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, the organization pairs volunteers with older adults to help improve their quality of life and maintain their independence in the community, said Robbie Boudreau, executive director of this local chapter, one of more than 500 nationwide. “
“Many of the people we serve, their oldest friends are gone or they are in the same situation and don’t drive anymore,” Boudreau said. “And with people working later in life, adult children may not be in a position to help as they would like. (Our volunteers) are the equivalent of the daughter in town or the great neighbor down the street. They help run errands, do grocery shopping or light housework, or take you to and from the doctor. And for those who do have loved ones accessible, we provide respite care so they can have some time to themselves.”
The services are limited to a couple of hours one day a week. Though volunteers do receive some training, they do not profess to take the place of a professional caregiver, Boudreau said.
“For (concerned) family members, we are just one more person on their team,” Boudreau said. “We want to help lighten the load.”
Holy Cross Catholic Church, Christ United Methodist Church, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and the former Congregation B’nai Torah were the original four congregations who provided seed money to form this chapter. The chapter now has participating volunteers from more than 15 local congregations. Volunteers and seniors are paired not by religion, but by mutual interests, Boudreau said.
“We are interested in building long-term relationships between volunteers and our care recipients while retaining boundaries,” Boudreau said.
“I’ve made some special friendships,” said Highland Park resident Jennifer Vanderflute: a volunteer since the summer. “The ladies are all very nice. They live alone and are very appreciative that there is an organization out there for them. I work with a woman in Deerfield who is 93 years old and shouldn’t be going out in this weather we’ve been having. I was just thinking about her and should call to see if she needs anything. “
In addition to care-giving, the group also offers recipients social opportunities. “Friday with Friends” is a 90-minute activities program held on the third or fourth Friday of each month at the Patty Turner Center in Deerfield. Activities have ranged from guest speakers and crafts to musical performances and games such as Name That Tune Bingo.
“I like to get together with people my own age,” said Zdenka Wolff, 80, of Highland Park, and added with a laugh, “We talk a lot about our problems.”
Wolff has been a participant since it began.
“If I wasn’t happy I would not do it,” she said. “It’s very important to me, because as you get older, a lot of your friends are no longer there. I’ve met new friends through this program.”
For information about becoming a volunteer or to register for programs, visit the FIA Volunteers website at selcfia.org, call 847-721-8414 or email [email protected].
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