Our Programs & Services
IVC provides a variety of programs and services that enrich the lives of our community members. From direct outreach to engaging social activities and support groups, IVC provides critical services that help to eliminate loneliness and isolation binding the community together. All services are provided free-of-charge.
Transportation
Volunteers, using their own vehicles, give rides to older adults or adults with disabilities. We’ll help you get where you need to go from healthcare, nutrition, social or wellness destinations. You will travel in a volunteer’s personal vehicle or one of IVC vans. Service is provided on island, in Kitsap county and to Seattle healthcare destinations.
Life Enrichment Programs
IVC offers a variety of spirit-lifting life enrichment programs for Care Receivers. Some of our programs include:
Flowers From the Heart*
Live From the Met Opera
Museum Tours
Music Appreciation
Kreaky Knees Walking Groups
Hands On Arts
Matinee Movies
Community Outreach Navigator
Individuals and families are offered compassionate and non-judgmental support to help connect them to the services and resources they need most. To connect with our Community Resource Navigator, Katie Auger, please contact Island Volunteer Caregivers (206) 842-4441, or email: Katie@ivcbainbridge.org
*Flowers from the Heart
Flowers from the Heart is a unique program sponsored by Island Volunteer Caregivers with a simple concept—to provide gifts of joy and kindness in the form of bouquets of flowers in the summer months.
For over twenty years, community members have been bringing flowers from their gardens to Eagle Harbor Church for IVC volunteers to assemble into gorgeous bouquets. These bouquets are then delivered to people around the community who can’t otherwise get out to appreciate the bounties of summer. It’s a little program with a big heart and brightens the lives of everyone involved.
If you are interested in volunteering for Flowers from the Heart or donating your flowers (or vases!), please contact the IVC office at 206-842-4441.
Caregivers’ Support Group
The Caregivers’ Support Group meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2-3:30PM at the IVC office and via Zoom. It is open to anyone who is caring for a loved one. Joy Sprague facilitates the support group . For more information she can be contacted via email: joy.sprague@yahoo.com.
Grief Support
IVC has long supported people on their journey through grief with empathy and compassion so they can move towards renewed hope and meaning in their lives. Since 2013, Robin Gaphni has been facilitating Grief Support Groups for IVC; under her guidance, the programs have greatly expanded.
In 2016, IVC added the Compassionate Companions program – a one-on-one peer support program. IVC has trained volunteers who have experience in healing from their own personal loss to provide non-judgmental, empathic support to those impacted by loss and grief. Volunteers are matched with people who have similar losses, so that they can accompany them through their grief.
In 2019, IVC joined in a partnership with Bloedel Reserve to provide Grief Support Groups in the Japanese Guest House. Since then, Robin and Dr Ted Rynearson (retired psychiatrist from Virginia Mason) have facilitated many groups, and have also trained a new cohort of facilitators to provide support.
IVC believes in compassionately serving the bereaved in our community, and all of our Grief Support programs are offered free of charge. Working in partnership with Blodel Reserve, IVC continues this long tradition of offering support to those who have experienced loss. To find out more, please contact Robin Gaphni, Well-Being Program Manager at Bloedel Reserve, at rgaphni@bloedelreserve.org.
Grief Programs include:
Grief Support Groups provide a safe place where people can feel comfortable with their emotions in a confidential and secure place. In addition, people meet others who are also experiencing grief and loss, and share their stories. Starting in 2024, there will be four Grief Support Groups (one per season) held at the Japanese Guest House at Bloedel Reserve.
Compassionate Companions Program offers one-on-one peer support by trained volunteers. Compassionate Companions provides non-judgmental, empathetic support to those impacted by loss and grief. Our volunteers are nurturing, empathic listeners and committed to being present to their care receiver.
Grievers’ Library (Starting in 2024) will be outside of the IVC office on Finch Place. Here you will find free books for the bereaved.
To find out more about our Grief Support programs, please contact Robin Gaphni at rgaphni@bloedelreserve.org.
Bedside Singing Program
IVC offers comfort to those who are seriously ill or nearing the end of life through the power of calming, comforting, and compassionate songs that uplift the human spirit and create moments of grace in difficult times. The bedside singing program is a partnership between the Agate Pass Threshold Choir and Island Volunteer Caregivers. When requested by individuals, family, or caregivers, we’ll arrange for 2-3 Threshold singers to come to a private home or care facility.
Please contact the IVC office at 206-842-4441.