Hello, Neighbors Network Friends
In this edition, you’ll read a touching story about three chairs, some hurricane tips, and thoughts from one of our treasured donors. We’re glad you’re here!
What’s New
This true story of 3 chairs is an example of the impact Neighbors Network has on its Members and Volunteers. Names are fabricated to protect their privacy.
Member Miriam could not sit comfortably in her chair to watch TV because of pain in her neck and back caused by a debilitating disease. She’s on a fixed income, so the thought of buying a comfortable chair, preferably a recliner she could adjust, was out of the question.
Volunteer Vivian, who drives Miriam occasionally, has gotten to know her pretty well. She was aware of Miriam’s misery in her chair. It gnawed at her, picturing Miriam sitting for hours, unable to get comfortable.
Vivian discussed the situation with her husband, also a Neighbors Network volunteer, and they agreed that she would take Miriam shopping to see what kind of chair would work for her. At a reputable recliner store, Miriam fell in love with one with adjustable head and neck support, easily adjustable with a remote. It fit her body like a glove, and laying back gave her total relief.
Vivian and her husband decided to buy the recliner, with the understanding that it was a donation to Neighbors Network. Miriam can use it as long as it’s useful for her, then it will get passed on to another Member who needs it and can’t afford to buy one. Miriam takes meticulous care of everything she owns, so Vivian is confident the chair will be useful for years.
After the recliner was delivered and Miriam was confident it worked well for her, she decided to sell her chair with a footrest, in great condition, because she no longer had strength to lift the lever.
Neighbors Network Members and Volunteers were notified that this chair was for sale. Adel thought it would go perfectly in her living room. She could let go of the bulky recliner she had grown to dislike because of its size. Adel visited Miriam to sit in her chair and found it to be quite comfortable. She agreed to buy it.
Adel knew Member Dorothy had back pain from sitting for hours in her decades-old chair. Dorothy, on a fixed income, could not afford to buy what she really wanted – a recliner she could sleep in. Adel thought her big recliner would be ideal for Dorothy, and when Dorothy test-sat and reclined in it, she was thrilled with how big and comfortable it was.
A delivery plan was put in place. Two Neighbors Network Volunteers in a pickup truck moved Miriam’s chair to Adel’s home, then took Adel’s recliner to Dorothy’s home and set it up for her. It was like a dream come true for all three of them.
Bonus benefit: Miriam’s and Dorothy’s swollen ankles and lower legs are visibly better now that they are using recliners.
This is an example of Neighbors Network in action. Now, three Members are sitting in chairs they love, thanks to the generous thinking of the Volunteers who started the ball rolling. They saw a situation that needed resolving and decided to do something about it. Each of these Volunteers and Members knows of each other because of their involvement with Neighbors Network. If not for this connection, the Members would still be sitting in uncomfortable chairs.
Upcoming
Hurricane Season has begun, once again. We’ve offered new Members the battery-operated lantern we’ve given out in years past. It’s small with a very bright light that everyone loves. We’ve recommended Members create an “Important Information” sheet with family and medical contacts, medications list, and health and home insurance info, in case they have to evacuate. We’ve encouraged them to make copies of personal documents, i.e., proof of address, deed or lease for home, passport, birth certificate, insurance policies, advance directive and banking info. Put all the copies in a waterproof bag or folder and keep originals in a safe, dry place. In addition to 3 days of non-perishable food, easy to prepare if there’s no power, we recommend having on hand a manual can opener. And designating someone in another part of the state or country as their contact to call and report on their safety. Family and friends can contact that person if they can’t reach the Member.
Our Volunteers are available for Members who would like help preparing for hurricane season.
Spotlight on Donors
Cairn has been a donor since 2020 because she thinks Neighbors Network is “a lovely organization that makes a difference for older adults who live alone.” She learned about it from a friend and is impressed with what Neighbors Network does. “The world is different now,” she said. “So many people are lonely. Growing up, my grandparents were close. It’s not that way anymore. People are not around to help out. And people are living longer. I’m happy to donate because it’s such a good organization doing much needed work for older adults. It makes a real difference in their lives. It is my pleasure to donate and I will again.”
Thank You
Your interest and belief in Neighbors Network means the world to us and our Members. Please share this monthly newsletter with friends and neighbors who may be interested for themselves or someone they know. They can sign up to receive NN News at the bottom of any page in our website.