News

THANKS + GIVING... the name itself implies two complementary acts inevitably intertwined in the ebb and flow of life. None of us is on an island unto ourselves. We have all received much to be grateful for, and each of us has the capacity to give to others our time, talents, and/or treasures. Indeed, this holiday season is a time of giving thanks for blessings received and to express generosity toward others. In many ways, ...

Thanksgiving and Christmas are special times of the year meant for sharing with friends and family. But while this season brings happiness to many, it also brings loneliness to those who may not have family or friends to celebrate with. Last year, we received this heartfelt note from William after he received his meal and plant. “I’m an 86-year-old man in south Lakeland. I make very little, and the things VISTE gives me make a ...

  Did you know that in a typical year VISTE provides accessibility ramps, stairs and stair rails to 60-75 VISTE clients, free of charge? These essential modifications help enable your elderly neighbors to remain safely and independently in their own homes. We are seeking volunteers for our Ramp Crew, a talented group of VISTE volunteers who donate their time and talent to build and install ramps and other modifications. THANK YOU!!

Did you know that VISTE’s first program was Transportation Services? In 1983 a small group of volunteers saw an unmet need in the community to provide transportation for local seniors. Over the years, the need has grown significantly, and today VISTE typically provides over 15,000 client trips each year, free of charge to VISTE clients. We often receive thank-you notes from grateful clients: I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for ...

We are beyond grateful for the strong response from the community and all who donated to this year’s VISTE Cares campaign! Gifts large and small allowed us to not only reach, but exceed, our goal and deliver 400 boxes of personal care items to local seniors in need. And due to the generosity of the George Jenkins Foundation and our campaign sponsor, T. Mims Corp., the first $5,000 in gifts was matched! Thank you for supporting ...

VISTE is proud to recognize Karen Volkmann as this year’s Volunteer of the Year! Karen is a true dynamo…You can find her helping in our warehouse, in the office, and preparing and delivering Hot Meals each week. We are so grateful to Karen and all the time she gives back to VISTE in support of our elderly family members, friends, and neighbors in need. Karen is also a new VISTE Board member! Congratulations and thank ...

I’m delighted that our Summer 2021 newsletter focuses on VISTE’s oldest and largest program, Transportation Services! Not only is it widely used by clients – over 15,000 trips per year! – but it was the very first service VISTE offered 38 years ago. But did you know that Transportation Services is also VISTE’s most costly program to run?   Everyone wants to stay as independent as possible as they age – and being able to ...

Do you remember your first car? I do… It was a Chevy El Camino with a camper top over the back. I still remember that first drive with Jim Croce playing on the radio; “Movin’ me down the highway, Rollin’ me down the highway, Movin’ ahead so life won’t pass me by.” There was something magical about that experience and the sense of freedom and independence that came with it. In time, the ability to ...

VISTE's Transportation department plays a pivotal role in enabling the frail and elderly to remain safely and independently in their own homes. In addition, the social interaction between clients and VISTE drivers helps to alleviate social isolation among seniors, especially those living alone. Longtime VISTE driver Clara (at right) has been transporting Rosemary regularly since 2003 – and they have been great friends ever since! When asked about the secret to good health at 95, ...

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 ...