"A neighbor's independence depends on you."
FAITH IN ACTION-FAIRFIELD COUNTY · 239 West Main Street · Lancaster, OH 43130 · 740-503-1824
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"A neighbor's independence depends on you." FAITH IN ACTION-FAIRFIELD COUNTY · 239 West Main Street · Lancaster, OH 43130 · 740-503-1824
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NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS Thanks to the support from our community, Faith in Action—Fairfield County had a successful start up in December. We are currently serving the needs of more than 50 Fairfield County residents, and we have received inquiries from many more people who need our help. Faith in Action is an interfaith caregiving program of volunteers who work together to care for neighbors who need assistance. Volunteers come from churches and other houses of worship, as well as the community at large. They help those in need by: ª Picking up a few groceries or running errands ª Providing a ride to the doctor ª Friendly visiting and companionship ª Helping to pay bills ª Assisting with household chores With this volunteer assistance, members of the community can maintain their independence for as long as possible. The program was started with a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and will continue with support from people like you. Many local churches have agreed to help us recruit volunteers, refer individuals who need assistance, or provide financial support for this much-needed cause. Please consider joining Faith in Action and help serve the elderly and disabled of Fairfield County. Your continuing support is appreciated as we reach out to our neighbors in need. Thank you. VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEART OF FAITH IN ACTION She’s known as the Story Lady at Lancaster Community Church, and reading to others is just one of Joyce’s many talents. Bob not only helps with Faith in Action, but with several other community organizations as well. Each volunteer has a story, but they all have one thing in common—concern for others. All of the volunteers give freely of their time an talents. Their dedication to helping others is what makes Faith in Action volunteers so special. Jerri A. enjoys camping and crafts. She provides transportation and runs errands for our care recipients. Carolyn & Ray A. were our first volunteers. They work as a team to provide transportation, shopping and assistance with paying bills. Marian C. heard about Faith in Action on the radio and has volunteered to do grocery shopping. She has also helped spread the word about FIA to her co-workers. Linda D. is an experienced care provider who will be making friendly visits and helping with errands. Mary-jane G. has made volunteering a family activity. She and her children provide companionship and help around the house. Ron G. is a “do-it-youselfer” who has offered to do minor home repairs and help out in many different ways. Bob K. is very active in the community. He has been extremely busy helping several care recipients with shopping, transportation, errands, and friendly visits. Joyce N. loves to read and visit with her new friends. She also provides rides to appointments and runs errands. Grace P. has made volunteering a way of life. Even before she heard about FIA she had been busy helping her neighbors in any way she could. Joyce R. loves to do office work. She will be helping with the FIA newsletters and mailings. She also makes a daily phone call to offer assurance to one of our care recipients. Steve R. will be doing grocery shopping for others. Since he works at a grocery store, this is the ideal project for Steve. Cherie S. takes time out of her busy schedule to shop and run errands. Her care recipient appreciates Cherie’s shining personality and looks forward to her visits. Peggy S. has been described as a compassionate, helpful neighbor. She has offered to help others with their grocery shopping. Thanks to all the Faith in Action volunteers who give of their time and themselves! OHIO UNIVERSITY PARTNERS WITH FAITH IN ACTION Hands-on learning is a great way for students to experience the “real world” while gaining college credit. Ohio University-Lancaster has incorporated service-learning projects into their curriculum by assisting community groups with various projects. Two classes at OU-L have eagerly agreed to help Faith in Action in this way. The Meeting & Conference Planning class, under the direction of Dr. Candice Thomas-Maddox, is developing ideas for fund-raising projects. Their creative input and strong organizational skills will be a tremendous asset in helping us raise money to continue our work in the community. At the Pickerington Center of OU-L, the Techniques in Group Discussion class is also lending a hand. One of the project groups has volunteered to assist with community awareness and volunteer recruitment. Two members of this group recently attended a volunteer orientation to learn more about FIA. Thanks to the students and staff of OU-L for lending their knowledge and skills to help the people of Fairfield County! FAITH IN ACTION RESTORES HOPE It can be frustrating when you are not able to get around as well as you used to. But with a little help, many people can continue to enjoy life in their own homes. When Doris Spangler first read about Faith in Action in the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, she was hesitant to ask for help. But when her friend encouraged her to find out more about the program, Doris decided to call. Although Doris has led an active life, her recent health problems have limited her mobility. She gets around her apartment with the aid of a motorized chair, but it is difficult for her to run the vacuum or clean her kitchen. With her children living out of state, the help from Faith in Action means a lot to Doris. FIA volunteers help with the housework and occasionally run errands. “You can’t believe how much it means“, says Doris. “ I really appreciate Faith in Action.”
For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact Janet Stout, FIA Project Director, at (740) 503-1824. To receive a copy of our newsletter, contact:
Faith in Action--Fairfield County
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