Rosie VanderVeen
The January Kare Bear meeting was privileged to welcome Eric Ehst from Neighbors Who Care (NWC). The organization’s mission is to provide assistance to those who require extra support to live independently in their home. They service a 32-square-mile area from Sun Lakes to Val Vista and up to Queen Creek. Approximately 670 clients are served by a volunteer force of 500. Services include transport to physicians, supermarkets, respite for family caregivers or even replacing a lightbulb or air filter, etc. Daily reassurance calls are also executed by volunteers. By request, they will arrange a home assessment of the elderly, if there is a matter of concern. NWC is unable to transport a client not mobile enough to be in a collapsible wheelchair. Their van is not equipped with a “lift” for wheelchairs. Last year, roughly 19,000 opportunities were presented to provide services to individuals in need.
NWC has partnered with Chandler and Mercy Gilbert Hospitals to inform hospital patients released with resources available to assist them in their homes. The outgoing patient statistics for readmission were 20% within 30 days of release. The current rate of return is 2%, something to be proud of.
The “Meals on Wheels” program is currently providing for 75 individuals. A NWC coordinator calls each person every morning, offering five meal selections within the price range of $4-$7. Restaurants are then contacted and food orders placed. The coordinator then compiles and delivers a list of the individuals and labels to the restaurant which prepares them. Volunteers later pick up and deliver the meals. NWC does purchase around 30 meals per month for individuals who genuinely are unable to purchase them. There are 62 people in SunBird who are qualified for their meal program, but not all participate regularly.
If you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer, NWC would be delighted to have your assistance – a great organization that is serving well the needs of our community!
Kare Bear Faire shoppers! March 3 is your last chance for goodies from our terrific vendors until next year! Stop by and see what they have to offer from t-shirts to leather goods, lip care, skin care and so much more. Socialize, meet old friends or find new ones!
Memorials are a service that Kare Bears provide. Emily Hughes arranged the celebration of life for Cal McPherson. Cal was on the committee that purchased SunBird Golf Course. He was an avid golfer and a tireless servant, working and assisting with the maintenance and beautification of our course. The memorial for Daniel Boone brought a fitting finale of balloons rising to the sky.
Kare Bears lost one of our faithful and devoted members in Kare Bears,
Tina Vandeeron, who passed on January 17. Her memorial will take place on February 10.
A special committee is being formed to plan a celebration of Kare Bears.
25-year anniversary in January, 2019. Stay tuned!