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Across the Northeast Kingdom, the volunteer team at the NEK Council on Aging, over 350 people, lead wellness programs, cook and deliver meals, help with errands and shopping, make phone calls to friends, care for family and friends, and so much more.
“Without
the help of our volunteers, and the interest of others who wish to serve as
volunteers, the vast network of our programs and services could never be
maintained,” said Meg Burmeister, Executive Director of the NEK Council on
Aging. “It is astonishing to witness such a high level of commitment from so
many wonderful people. We are very grateful to everyone who dedicates their
time and talents to our elder Vermonters.”
The Council utilizes the help of Karen Budde, RSVP Volunteer Coordinator who
manages the multiple volunteer networks that extend across the NEK. RSVP is the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program,
one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and over
where volunteers use life-learned skills and talents in a variety of activities
to assist in their communities.
“When you are able to make a difference in the life of one person, it is worth
it,” said Budde. “I am so grateful for
our volunteers and the impact they have on our communities, they are
wonderful.”
One such volunteer has seen her service journey change over time. Judy Daloz and a friend joined RSVP to assist
at an area elementary school.
“They needed help to manage the flow of students through the lunch line,” said
Daloz. “You just don’t realize that a dropped dish, or a forgotten utensil can
create a traffic jam in the lunch line.
Our assistance seemed a simple task but to the school staff, it was a
critical service.”
The experience led Daloz to consider how she could use her interest in Tai Chi to
help her community. “I have practiced
Tai Chi for over 26 years and it never occurred to me that I could teach a
class.” Last fall, she joined a Fall
Prevention Tai Chi class with the NEK Council on Aging and she will be
volunteering to teach this class starting in May.
Daloz had caught the volunteer bug. In
addition to teaching the Tai Chi class, she has volunteered to manage a new
home medicine management program at the Council. “As a retired registered nurse and one who
cares about fall prevention, I am pleased that I can use my experience to help
area elders manage their medications. Older adults take prescription
medications more than any other demographic. Remembering to take medication in
the first place can be a challenge, so if you’re taking multiple medications
several times a day, it can be overwhelming.”
The home medicine program will assist area elders with medication management to
prevent falls, monitor medication compatibility and storage, and the disposal
of expired medications.
“Judy is a great example of the reward our
volunteers receive for sharing their time and talents and the motivation it
creates,” said Budde. “As Gandhi said, the
best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
If you have an interest in becoming an RSVP volunteer, contact Karen Budde at the NEK Council on Aging (802) 751-0431.
Hours: 8:00 - 4:00
Appointments are Recommended
481 Summer St., Suite 101
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Phone (802) 748-5182
Fax (802) 473-4998
Hours: 8:00 - 4:00
By Appointment Only
Derby Time Square
5452 US Route 5, Suite A
Newport, VT 05855
Phone (802) 334-2190
Fax (802) 334-3389