Summertime is often an exciting season filled with family vacations, breathtaking sunsets, and an endless quest to moderate the effects of high heat and humidity. While many of VISTE’s regular volunteers take time away, we also experience an influx of young people and volunteer groups of all ages. This newsletter shines a spotlight on just a few of the many volunteers that set aside time this summer to continue VISTE’s mission of service to local seniors in need. We are grateful for all their time, energy, and enthusiasm!
As I get older, this change of seasons has taken on a new significance. It’s been said that You know you’re getting older when the days go by more slowly at the same time the years go by more quickly. Indeed, the seasons of our lives can change and pass as quickly as the summertime to the fall. This realization provides a heightened awareness of the Value of Time; each moment, day, month, and year. In many ways, time is our most precious gift and becomes even more valuable when we freely share it with others.
41 years ago, a call went out in our community for volunteers to help transport seniors in need of getting to their doctors’ appointments, the grocery store, etc. More than a dozen people responded to that call and committed their time to helping neighbors in need. Out of that time and purpose grew an organization – Volunteers in Service to the Elderly – that today assists more than 4,500 seniors from 70-108 years of age to remain safe and independent in their own homes. None of this would have been possible without the dedicated commitment of time by countless volunteers throughout our community.
As VISTE looks forward to the next 40 years and beyond, we are entering a season of growth filled with new opportunities and challenges. As we navigate our pathway forward, both our elderly clients and volunteers of all ages serve as constant reminders of the precious value of each moment and that; To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven.
VISTE’s mission could not be accomplished without you. Your gift of time provides care and hope to seniors in need, especially those living alone. For them, the gift of your presence is priceless! Bless you…