News

Every April at VISTE we celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Month. To kick off our appreciation month this year we recently recognized a volunteer who has served with us for 18 years! JoAnn Schirm started volunteering for VISTE in 2003 and has been delivering hot meals to clients every Tuesday and Thursday ever since. She has been delivering to some of her clients for almost 10 years. Her service amounted to over 1,800 days, 4,500 hours and almost 20,000 ...

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” – Nelson Henderson   I received a call recently from a VISTE client who wanted our tax ID number because she is naming VISTE as the beneficiary of her life insurance policy. She wished to remain anonymous but wanted us to be aware that the funds will be coming eventually. She impressed upon me that “It’s not ...

Events of this past year have challenged even the strongest and most independent of us in ways never expected or experienced before. VISTE is extremely grateful for all the community support and volunteers that made it possible to continue providing essential services without interruption. We are also taking this opportunity to turn our attention forward, more committed than ever to continue meeting the needs of our growing elderly population today, and for years to come. ...

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 ...