VISITING NEIGHBORS INC

During FY24, A record number of 851 seniors received services and 1,650 individuals received information and emotional support from Visiting Neighbors. The Organization provides seven core services as follows: Shopping and Escort Provides Shopping, Escorting and Errand Services. Volunteers provided approximately 5,100 units of service (each one-way trip). While some seniors still prefer us to go shopping for them the vast majority want to go with their volunteer. When seniors were not feeling well or in inclement weather, volunteers would shop or do an errand for them, such as pick-up/drop -off from/to a pharmacy or post office. Volunteers also picked-up seniors after medical procedures, accompanied them on walks, helped with errands (such as escorts to/from banks, reading mail, shopping, hair salons, social programs, rehabs and escorting to/from Access-A-Ride renewal application centers). Volunteers have also helped seniors with getting pets to vets. Our staff also encouraged seniors to vote, including helping seniors mail absentee ballots when they couldnt get out. Volunteers escorted seniors who wanted to vote in person and we helped seniors use/mail their absentee ballots. Volunteers also escorted seniors on longer Therapeutic Walks. As the pandemic has continued on for such a long time, it resulted in many seniors expressing to staff that they felt somewhat sad and depressed and having developed cabin fever. They have a strong need to go outside for a safe long walk accompanied by someone who could be by their side. Many seniors are afraid of walking outside alone afraid of tripping on a sidewalk, getting caught in a crosswalk, being knocked down by someone not paying attention while on a cellphone or someone stealing their purse and just fear of falling in general. Some of our more independent seniors just wanted to go outside to get a break from the confines of their apartment and felt more comfortable with someone by their side. We responded by starting a walking program and we also have successfully been able to engage more young volunteers (ages 14-24) to interact with our seniors by taking walks together and having meaningful discussions with them along the way. As more medical professional started seeing patients again and more procedures started to happen again, volunteers escorted seniors to and from those medical appointment and procedures. Friendly Visiting Provides the elderly clients with companion visits. Volunteers provided approximately 7,500 visits. Health Advocacy Provides support during clients hospital stays and follow up at home after hospital stay, emergency preparedness, in-home safety checks, information on free and low-cost health services, liaison between the client and health care providers, providing health education materials on a variety of health concerns and identifying risk factors and emotional support and encouragement, approximately 1400 Hours. Wellness Programs Information and activities, including Therapeutic Walks and small groups and individual discussion on a variety of health and wellness issues, to promote healthy living and wellness, approximately 4,400 contracts hours. Information and Referral Services Staff and Volunteers respond to individuals requesting information and guidance. During the year, 4,000 calls were received and responded to. Telephone Reassurance Seniors received check-in and/or Friendly Calls for Conversation to alleviate loneliness and isolation - Approximately 4,900 hours. Special Occasions provides visits, calls and mailings for birthdays and holidays to provide positive uplifting messages of hope and good cheer.