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 […]
News
President’s Message: The Road to Independence
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 […]
Mission Moment: Rosemary & Clara
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 […]
Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Month
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 […]
Legacy Giving: Planting a Seed for the Future
“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 […]
President’s Message: Long-term Sustainability
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, […]
Mission Moment: Holiday Thank-You from VISTE Clients
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, […]
Development News: Lisa Marquette, Development Director
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 […]
Staff Spotlight: Welcome Kristen Waters, New Volunteer & Events Manager
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 […]
Virtual VISTEBall 2021!
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 […]