News

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 ...

“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 ...