Neighbors Network has been making a difference in the lives of older adults in our community for 10 years! While we have grown and changed over the last decade, what hasn’t changed is the impact we have in the lives of our Members. They continue to enjoy getting to know our vetted Volunteers as we assist them with their requests. Whether it is a ride to an appointment, help with occasional tasks in the home, like minor repairs, technical support, or sorting and organizing papers and things, we create greater ease in their lives.
As one Member said, “I wouldn’t still be living independently at 92 in my own home if it weren’t for the wonderful volunteers who take me where I want to go and help with things I used to be able to do myself in my home. It’s been a lifesaver, and my kids are glad, too.” As we look back over the past 10 years, we can’t help but look forward. Helping our neighbors isn’t just what we do. It shapes our worldview. Please help us spread the word about Neighbors Network by telling your friends and neighbors about us!
Backyard Cleanup and more
What a way to start their spring break! This Winter Garden youth group from Harvest Church of Orlando spent a few hours cleaning up the backyard of one of our Members. She was touched by their diligence and politeness when they talked with her. They made a real difference in her yard and for her personally. She said observing them working together all morning, “when they could have been doing anything else kids like to do on spring break,” gave her hope for the future.
Membership benefit
How many rides are Members eligible for each month?
A question we often get from Members and prospective Members is about the number of monthly rides that are included in our memberships. Rides are an important benefit for many Members and the number included might be a bit confusing so we are here to clarify.
Individual Members are eligible for up to four rides per month to go where they want to go, i.e., medical appointments, grocery or other local shopping, banking, movie theater, hair and nails appointments, etc.
Household Members are eligible for up to a total of six rides per month to go where they want to go.
In addition, Members can request rides to any of the Neighbors Network group activities in the monthly calendar. Those rides are above and beyond the four or six rides. Rides to NN group activities may be “carpooled” with a driver taking more than one Member to the activity.
We hope this helps. If you have any questions about this, or any other membership benefit, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Spotlight on Members
Veronica is an active Member since 2022 who believes that membership includes “giving as well as taking.” One of the ways she gives to Neighbors Network is by hosting Creative Spirits monthly in her home. She’s artistic and enjoys doing different kinds of creative projects with those who attend. She also encourages Members to bring something they want to work on themselves, and take advantage of the time to do it while chatting with others. She loves the easy flow of conversation around the table in her glassed-in back porch.
“I like to have people over,” she says, “it’s my way of giving to others. When my husband, Frank, was alive, our door was always open. I believe this house was a gift from God, and I want to continue to share it. I like to share with others and do for others, as well as take advantage of some of the things Neighbors Network offers.”
When asked what she gets from being a Member, Veronica said it touches her spiritual side. She believes in “caring for our brothers and sisters, our neighbors, it’s connected to my faith. I don’t preach, it’s who I am.”
Veronica also is active in her church, St. Mary Magdalen. She visits and brings Communion to a few who are homebound. She’s known one of them for 50 years, his wife was her best friend. She believes “God leaves bread crumbs for us” when we’re seeking, as well as unexpected. They bring ideas and occurrences that fall into place in ways we may not have imagined.
She’s made some good friends through Neighbors Network. And we’re glad to have her as an active Member. Thank you for all you do, Veronica!
Thank you
As always, thank you for being such a valued part of our Neighbors Network community. Please help us spread the word. Every new Member, Volunteer, Donor and friend is an opportunity to change a life for the better. How amazing is that?