News

Did you know that, although VISTE programs and services are free of charge to clients, some still contribute what they can, even $5 a month, because they want to help and show their appreciation? For some, this is the first time they have ever had to accept help just to get by. Others send emails, cards, or call to say thank you. Here are just a few notes we received from clients during the 2020 ...

In this edition of VISTE’s quarterly newsletter, I’m excited to share the rollout of the new VISTE website. That sentence alone makes me very happy, as both of these forms of communication have been renewed and updated this past year. Why is communicating with you important to VISTE? Because YOU are the heart of everything we do! You are our clients, volunteers, supporters, and friends, and these information outlets allow us to share joyful moments, ...

Join us in extending a warm welcome to VISTE’s new Volunteer and Events Manager, Kristen Waters! Originally from Largo, Florida, Kristen has also lived in other locations, including Dublin, Ireland. Kristen joins the VISTE team with extensive experience in the hospitality industry, including ten years in leadership management at Walt Disney parks and resorts in Orlando, with a focus on food and beverage operations and merchandising. Kristen will oversee all aspects of the volunteer program ...

By Steve Madden At the beginning of each year, Lakeland is home to several signature events, but none more important to the elderly than VISTEBall. Since 2005, this “quasi-golf showcase meets carnival fun” has delighted attendees of all ages. Guests have enjoyed the unique fare from generous local restaurants, silent auction selections, the $10,000 long putt challenge and of course, taking a chance to win the coveted Wheelbarrow of Cheer! While February's event is always ...

For many of us the holiday season is a time of joy-filled gatherings among family and friends, meals shared together around a table, and gifts exchanged under glittering lights. It is often a time of celebration, reflection, spiritual renewal, and aspirational commitments expressed in New Year’s resolutions.  Like everything else this past year, this holiday season was different and many of the traditional celebrations simply were not the same. So, as we begin this New ...

A longtime VISTE supporter and volunteer, Bonnie Paternoster comes from a close-knit family that believes in service to others. According to Bonnie, her parents, Dee and Charles Clayton, “were the kind who always took care of other people,” especially the elderly. Bonnie also has a passion for helping the elderly. Originally from New Jersey, Bonnie and her family moved to Florida and lived in Lakeland for many years. She began volunteering for VISTE 20 years ...

As we begin the start of the holiday season it is appropriate that our first holiday focuses on giving thanks. VISTE is so thankful for the many volunteers that are the namesake of the organization, without whom we would not exist. We are also thankful to the many donors who support our good work by giving financially to keep VISTE operating. If not for your time and treasure, VISTE could not continue to provide services ...

Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) is pleased to announce that the 24th Annual Thanksgiving Meal Delivery will take place on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, with meal pickup at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. This event brings the community together to kick off the holiday season by distributing Thanksgiving meals and beautiful live plants to 1,800 of our elderly neighbors. If you’ve participated in this event previously, please read carefully as there are significant changes this year, including limiting ...

Our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in April had to be cancelled this year because of COVID, so we had to get more creative to honor our AMAZING VOLUNTEERS! In August, VISTE staff and volunteers worked together to present these awards outside the recipients’ homes by way of Volunteer Appreciation Parades. Cars/vans/trucks were decorated, and signs posted in the recipients’ yards. The following volunteers were recognized for 2020: Francheska Martinez, Lynn Bowen, and Ken Beals. Jeffery Perkins Memorial ...

We are pleased to welcome Callie Neslund as VISTE’s new Board Chair! Callie is a longtime supporter of VISTE and has served on the Board since 2012, most recently as Vice Chair. She brings enthusiasm and a solid business approach to VISTE. Her vision for the organization includes a focus on strategic planning, staff development, new funding opportunities, and organizational sustainability, to help ensure that local at-risk seniors will continue to receive the essential services ...