March 2023 Volunteer Newsletter

Written By Guest User

HELLO WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS -

February featured a lot of heart-centered activity that brought joy to volunteers and care receivers alike. It was lovely to see so many of you at various events. Nearly 40 of us gathered for our volunteer event at Eleven Winery and although the purpose was to visit with you and show our appreciation, sales for tourists and community members from that day raised over $1,000 for IVC! Scroll to the end for pictures.

If you have whiplash from watching February fly by - we've got a cure for you. Not really.... but we are hosting an education session with a physical therapist from New Motion Physical Therapy in early April. Read below for more information.

This month's newsletter also includes:

Pet Therapy Update | Sponsor Intro | Education Session | Strolls for Well-being | Wellness Program | Special Save the Date | Volunteer Spotlight | Hot Meal Options

On another note, as the newest member of IVC's staff - I realize I still haven't met some of you. I'm hoping to remedy that in the months to come as more opportunities to gather arise.

SAVE THE DATE for our annual, board hosted, Volunteer Appreciation Event at Huney Hall (BISCC) on Friday, April 21st from 5-7pm.

In the meantime - feel free to pop by the office and say hello anytime. Here's me with my senior Maltese, Buster.

-April (and Buster)

PET THERAPY SERVICES: Volunteer with your dog!

 A visit with a furry friend can go a long way toward improving well-being for some of our care receivers. IVC has identified Therapy Dogs International (TDI) as our sanctioned certification program for our pet therapy services

We encourage volunteers who would like to participate in IVC’s pet therapy services to register for TDI’s upcoming test (there are six spots open):

LOCATION:

Naturally 4 Paws

2779 NW Myhre Rd | Silverdale, WA

DATE/TIME:

March 26, 2023 | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

COST:

$30 (reimbursement available)

REQUIREMENT DETAILS:

Testing| Registration

INTRODUCING IVC's PLATINUM SPONSOR: ARTiCARE

We are happy to announce ARTiCARE as our annual platinum sponsor*. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life of the senior community and to foster independent living through the delivery of exceptional quality of care and supportive services. 

As a locally, nurse run caregiving company specializing in personal and companion care, this is one more local resource available to care receivers. Find more information at https://articare.us/

DETAILS:

A physical therapist from New Motion Physical Therapy will show us how to improve mobility and safety for both volunteers and care receivers during volunteer shifts. We will examine best practices in scenarios that involve falls, assisted walking, and getting in and out of cars.

DATE:

Thursday, April 6th

TIME:

12:15pm - 1:15pm

LOCATION:

Hybrid via Zoom or in person at IVC

147 Finch Place SW, Suite 4

Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

IVC's Grief Group Partner, Bloedel Reserve is inviting IVC Volunteers to sign up for their upcoming FREE Strolls for Well-Being program beginning March 22nd.

You all give so much to IVC care receivers, what better way to do something for YOU than by treating yourselves to an opportunity to connect with nature at Bainbridge Island’s own Bloedel Reserve. As a bonus, the program includes a free six month membership to Bloedel.

Registration for the Strolls for Well-Being Program is open. Reserve your spot! What better way to experience our glorious Northwest spring than by walking the beautiful and lush grounds of Bloedel in a mindful, contemplative way.

For more information about the Strolls program and links to register, please click here. https://bloedelreserve.org/strolls-for-well-being/ 

WELLNESS PROGRAM UPDATE

This past Fall, IVC volunteers called nearly 400 care receivers to update records and screen for loneliness and isolation as part of our new Wellness Program, funded by a grant from Bainbridge Community Foundation.

The calls helped us identify care receivers who could be matched with a companion volunteer with the goal of reducing loneliness and isolation through encouragement and engagement.

We introduced 7 new matches in February at a Palentine Tea (Valentines with a Pal) and there are more matches to come!

One of our matches, IVC volunteer Julia Taylor and IVC care receiver Marilyn Hirsch sent us this wonderful photo of the two of them baking dog biscuits. Marilyn loves dog and likes giving biscuits to the dogs she visits with. Julia and Marilyn have come up with goals for their time together and it's lovely to see their sweet connection.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

We deeply value every IVC volunteer and encourage you to share what you're learning through your volunteer experience with us.

Jeff Brown, who started volunteering with IVC in 2017 after retiring, shared his stellar approach to challenging encounters.

The vast majority of care receivers he's engaged with are receptive and appreciative and he really enjoys hearing their perspective and life stories. As an actor and playwright, Jeff is naturally skilled at leaning into to care receivers who want to talk about their lives. 

On the very rare occasions Jeff experiences challenging interactions with a care receiver he keeps an open mind and heart and doesn't take it personally. He understands there are times when care receivers are struggling from pain, loss of independence, or confusion and finds that maintaining a calm, caring demeanor while keeping his boundaries intact softens interactions. Jeff said he finds that being patient with care receivers often builds trust that opens up communication.

He likened it to his time as a baseball umpire. Regardless of the players or spectators reaction - he focused on his role and maintained a steady presence as he made various calls.

We're so grateful to Jeff for sharing his experience with us and to all of our volunteers for stepping into vulnerable circumstances with our care receivers every day.

Thank you to Jeff and all of our IVC Volunteers!

If you know a care receiver or someone in the community in need of hot meals, Super Suppers and Meals on Wheels Kitsap County are two ongoing options. Some of our volunteers pick up Super Suppers to deliver to care receivers and we've been told that volunteers can accompany qualifying care receivers to the Meals on Wheels meals at the Senior Center.

SUPER SUPPERS:

The Bainbridge Island-North Kitsap Interfaith Council brings monthly community meals, free of charge to anyone in need. All are welcome. Dine-in and take-out meals available, kid-friendly menus offered.

Dinners are offered the last seven days of the month and rotate between churches.

  • Meals on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday are hosted by Eagle Harbor Congregational Church at 105 Winslow Way W.

  • Meals on Wednesday are hosted by St. Cecilia’s Catholic Parish’s Conger Hall at 1310 Madison Ave. N.

  • Meals on Saturday are hosted at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 8677 Madison Ave NE.

MEALS ON WHEELS:

Nutritious and delicious fresh cooked meals are available to any senior 60 and over throughout the week at Bainbridge Island Senior Center. This is a great option for hot and balanced meals designed by a Registered Dietitian. Reservations are required, please call 1(360)377-8511 or 1(888)877-8511. There is a suggested donation of $5.00 per meal.

A big THANK YOU to every volunteers who assembled and/or delivered 300+ Valentines; attended our Wellness Program Tea; gathered with us at Eleven Winery; and continued to pick up daily requests. You are the HEART of IVC!

*Disclaimer of Endorsement: References and links to any person, agency, business or organization and related activities, treatments, methods, products, or services do not constitute or imply an endorsement by Island Volunteer Caregivers, including those advertised in/on Island Volunteer publications, sessions, social media, or website.

Guest User