NVCN Launches New Programs in California
December 21, 2011
National Volunteer Caregiving Network Launches New Programs in California
The National Volunteer Caregiving Network (NVCN), a nationwide membership organization, is pleased to announce its selection of ten (10) communities in California to receive technical assistance to initiate volunteer caregiving programs. This project is funded in large part by The SCAN Foundation in Long Beach, CA. The SCAN Foundation awarded NVCN a "Launching Volunteer Caregiving Programs" grant in the amount of $90,100 to help establish programs to meet the pressing needs of seniors for informal, in-home care. A Start-Up Guide based on a survey of existing programs and specifically aimed at launching sustainable efforts, along with ongoing consultation and technical assistance from NVCN, will be used to help communities develop volunteer caregiving initiatives.
In each community a coalition of faith-based organizations and agencies representative of the diversity of the area will work together to screen and train volunteers to provide non-medical caregiving services to elders or persons with long-term care needs. Typical services include assistance with transportation to medical and other appointments, help with grocery shopping, minor home repairs, friendly visiting, bill paying, light housekeeping, and respite care for family caregivers.
Volunteer caregiving is a tested model, first piloted 28 years ago, which operates in more than 500 communities across the United States. It is a cost effective way to meet the needs of the growing number of aging and ill members of our communities. It decreases health care costs by keeping frail order adults healthier and independent longer, while creating a more caring community that provides opportunities to build intergenerational relationships and improve access to services.
The California organizations which have been selected for a one-year Technical Assistance Grant to create these programs are:
- New Vista Ministries in Los Gatos
- Area 1 Agency on Aging in Eureka
- Heffernan Memorial Healthcare District in Calexico
- The Health Trust in San Jose
- NEXT Village in San Francisco
- Bethany Bible Fellowship in Westminster
- St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton
- Cyrus Urban Inter-Church Sustainability Network in Oxnard
- San Francisco Village
- Saint Matthias' Anglican Church in Oakdale
The SCAN Foundation is dedicated to creating a society in which seniors receive medical treatment and human services that are integrated in the setting most appropriate to their needs.
For additional information, please contact:
Betty F. Malks, NVCN California State Coordinator
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (408) 489-1952