Many senior citizens living in the Historic Triangle could use a little help with day-to-day needs. Williamsburg Faith in Action (WFIA) volunteers do just that, and they’re always looking for more people interested in helping out.
There are a limited number of assisted living facilities in the area, especially for elderly folks with moderate or low income, and there are many older adults who live alone or rely on a caregiver, according to WFIA Executive Director Rita Smith.
Many people retire to the Historic Triangle and leave their support networks of family and friends behind to come to the area, Smith says. “These people can stay in their homes, but they need small day-to-day things like help climbing on a ladder to change a light bulb, or help with other little tasks or just companionship.”
This is where the 300-plus WFIA volunteers come in. They offer transportation services, respite care for caregivers, friendly visits, telephone assurance calls, grocery shopping services, and light housekeeping and yard services. Volunteers completing these tasks help older adults and people with health problems stay at home instead of moving to assisted living facilities or elsewhere, and studies show that adults able to live at home have fewer illnesses, Smith says.
Volunteers are only asked to perform the services that they are interested in doing, and only at times or days when they are available. Even keeping to the limits of volunteer availability, 579 seniors received care from WFIA over its last fiscal year that ended June 30.
Williamsburg Faith in Action is not affiliated with a church, but rather “it is an opportunity for people in all different faiths to put those faiths in action,” according to Smith.
The nonprofit is always looking for more volunteers; it offers training and orientation for new volunteers on the last Tuesday and the last Thursday of each month, or on an as-needed basis.
“Each volunteer makes a difference,” Smith says.
To learn more about volunteering with WFIA, or if you are over age 55 and need services, visit the WFIA website or call 258-5890.
