Eastside Neighbors Volunteer Program helps seniors remain in their homes
Pima Council On Aging has a button they give out that has an interesting slogan. It says, “If aging is not your issue, it will be.” Aging has become a major issue for millions of Americans. People over 100 years old are now one of the fastest growing segments of the population. As aging takes its toll, the elderly can no longer drive, do their own yard work, their own housekeeping, and many other everyday chores. Yet, they desperately want to stay out of a nursing home or other institutions.
Eastside Neighbors Volunteer Program (ENVP) has been helping seniors age at home since 2004. We are a 501(C)(3) non-profit Arizona corporation providing a variety of free services to our senior neighbors that assist them in staying in their own home or apartment for a few years longer. A high percentage of them are able to finish their lives there.
ENVP began with 14 senior clients and seven volunteers. ENVP has approximately 300 senior clients that are being served by a dedicated group of volunteers. A recent survey revealed that 90% of these clients reported that Eastside Neighbors helped them remain in their homes with a greater sense of safety. The biggest demand for ENVP services is for transportation to and from doctor’s or dentist’s offices and for trips to the pharmacy or grocery store. Many of our older neighbors left their family and friends behind when they moved to this area. Friendly visits and friendly telephone calls go a long way in keeping them connected with others.
During 2021, seniors received over 2500 services. ENVP volunteers gave over 4965 hours of service and drove over 35,000 miles for transportation, errands, administrative services, yardwork, and housekeeping.
ENVP is also looking for new volunteers. Please give us a call if you have time to give.