Volunteer Drivers Deliver Meals and Wellness Checks, Help People in Crisis
I am writing hoping you are all well and that those affected by recent weather devastation are rebounding. The storms in the last two months have led to deaths in Pennsylvania and New York, and property damage across Western Massachusetts and surrounding areas. For many, the storms may have brought up trauma from Tropical Storm
May is Older Americans Month, a Time to Celebrate Aging Unbound and Challenge the Status Quo!
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens.
This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, offers an opportunity to explore
Help Your Neighbors: Volunteer for LifePath
April is National Volunteer Month!
This past year between staff and volunteers, LifePath supported over 5,000 individuals and families in our communities. LifePath is dedicated to the well-being of older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers. Every day, our teams seek to create integrated systems of care that are culturally responsive and informed by best practice.
RSVP: Grocery Shop for a Neighbor in Need
Have you ever thought about how you would manage if you couldn’t get out to shop for food or medications, had no internet, and/or store delivery wasn’t available? A new LifePath program, born in response to needs during the early days of the pandemic and continuing now, matches volunteer shoppers with individuals who cannot independently
RSVP: Take Just a Little Time to Make a Big Difference
Have you ever said, “I would love to volunteer, but I don’t have much free time”? Here are a few suggestions that take little time, but provide a lifeline to frail or homebound elders. If you enjoy driving, shopping, or chatting on the phone, we need you.
Good nutrition and social contact are two important supports
Making a Difference: LifePath Volunteer Carol Ball
In the United States, April is National Volunteer Month—a month dedicated to recognizing the importance of volunteering and honoring the significant contributions volunteers make by generously donating their time and talents to worthy causes. The theme this year is “Volunteering is Empathy in Action.” LifePath depends on approximately 275 volunteers, more than double our full-
RSVP: A Focus on SHINE
Medicare changes and requirements can be confusing, especially in the fall Open Enrollment period. But you can relax because there is a free, unbiased, LifePath program to help you. SHINE, which stands for “Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone (with Medicare),” uses trained volunteers to discreetly meet with Medicare recipients, answer questions, and provide
In Celebration of Volunteers
As I reflect on this past year, there is much heartache to hold with all the COVID related suffering and losses, but what stands out is an overwhelming sense of gratitude and hope created by the goodness of the human spirit. At LifePath, we have experienced the outpouring of care and courage, and selflessness and
A Volunteer’s Story: When you give someone a meal, you receive a smile
Meet Meals on Wheels Driver Jane Dutcher
On an early winter’s day, Jane Dutcher of Bernardston heads out to a Meals on Wheels volunteer driver pickup point to collect several electric thermal bags of hot, prepared meals and coolers filled with
A Volunteer’s Story: “It’s not all business. We have fun!”
Meet Money Manager Sue Dunbar
Though Sue Dunbar of New Salem is retired, she keeps herself busy as a church treasurer, library assistant, and volunteer money manager through LifePath.
“I was the elementary band director at the Amherst Public Schools for 38 years,” says Sue. “I have several irons in the fire, and all I got rid
A Volunteer’s Story: “It helps somebody, and nobody has to pay me.”
Meet Money Manager Ted Penick
It all started nearly 20 years ago with the radio. Ted Penick was listening to WHAI and heard an interview about the Money Management Program at LifePath. “Somebody was on and mentioned this program which I’d never heard of. It sounded interesting – they even gave a phone number to call.
A Volunteer’s Story: “It makes me feel good that I can kind of help somebody.”
Steve McKnight serves elders and his community with Rides for Health
One day, after Steve McKnight retired from a long career with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation about three years ago, he was browsing through the newspaper when he came across a description of a new program at LifePath that was seeking volunteers.
“I thought,