Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
After her husband died, Joan Cox, Warsaw, needed some help. Her immediate need was someone to help with the housework. When she called REAL Services Community of Caring volunteers, she was not optimistic about when or if she would get volunteer help.
Kathy Shilling, Barbee Lake, saw an article in the Times-Union about the volunteer program and decided to consider it. She completed the forms and interviews and determined that she was best suited to be a housekeeper. A match was made.
Unfortunately, due to a shortage of volunteers, such matches are few. According to Deb Leach, REAL Services Community of Caring volunteer coordinator, in Kosciusko County there are only two volunteers. There are 200 people on the waiting list, and it would take approximately 300 volunteers to serve all the needs of those requesting assistance. The biggest need is for housekeepers.
Volunteers and the volunteer coordinator discuss what area would make the best match. Volunteer opportunities include: home respite companions, who spend quality time in the home to encourage the client or allow a family caregiver to have a "respite"; friendly visitors, who provide personal companionship; volunteer grocery shoppers shop and provide companionship on a regular basis; housekeepers provide light housekeeping, meal assistance or errands; and handymen, who assist with minor home repairs.
Leach said, "We require a complete volunteer application and do state and local background checks as well as three reference checks. In the client area, we do a home assessment to make sure the environment is safe. We want matches to be compatible to create 'win-win' for the client and volunteer." Each volunteer receives orientation training and must do monthly reports. When a match is determined, the agency meets with the client first, then the agency and the volunteer meet with the client.
Cox, who learned of REAL Services when her late husband, Tom, required home health care, said of the program, "Kathy was an angel when she came to my door. She provided a mental uplift and something to look forward to. Now I have more time to be, to enjoy life."
Shilling started as a housekeeper, but the relationship grew to include the role of "friendly visitor." Shilling said, "I help with home tasks and I listen, helping her with the loss of her husband. I learn things from her, like home remedies, and I like her - she's my good friend." She added, "I'm a homemaker, so I can be flexible with Joan's schedule. I come about every two weeks."
Leach said, "Flexibility is one of the keys to the program's success. Most of the clients are homebound and can accommodate a volunteer who works outside the home. In the other counties I cover, many of the volunteers work."
There is a great need for volunteers of all kinds in Kosciusko County. To volunteer or for more information on the program, call Jackie at 800-552-7928, Ext. 266. She handles the screening of volunteers for Kosciusko County.
Shilling said she's a volunteer because "someday I may need help. You make friends when you help people."
Cox replied, "Being a client with Kathy as a volunteer is great. We're able to laugh together." This kind of relationship is what the REAL Services Community of Caring volunteer program is all about.
