GVAS thanks volunteers

A corps of Green Valley Assistance Services volunteers was honored at a Grill on the Green luncheon Saturday for their time and dedication in helping to bring essential social services to at-risk seniors.

Speaking to the volunteers, executive director Chris Kang said, “This is your day; you make our success.”Exemplifying the tenets of volunteerism, the Green Valley Interfaith Corps helps seniors with grocery shopping and errands, transportation to medical appointments, providing respite time for those who care for a homebound partner — or simply by visiting.

In other areas such as the Budget Assistance Program, GVAS volunteers provided an additional 1,507 hours. With this service volunteers ensure that a senior’s bills are paid on time; the volunteers oversee check writing and bill paying.

Kang praised case manager Elizabeth Martinez, who was hired in April 2007 for being able to bring more services to more seniors.

In 2007, volunteers provided a total of 4,192 service hours and drove a total of 12,000 miles. The value of volunteers’ services is estimated at $80,000, Kang said.

The Green Valley Interfaith Volunteer Corps was recently recognized by national director Thomas Brown for ten years of GVAS funding the Green Valley Interfaith, Faith in Action Program.

“This program was originally funded with seed money for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant award. The Green Valley community, churches, civic organizations, businesses and residents contribute to our success in continuing to provide independent living solutions for our seniors,” Kang said.

Director of Volunteer Services Marilyn Roberts said all volunteers play a vital role in the lives of their care-receivers and develop a friendship that goes on for years, sometimes even after the client has moved to an assisted living or out of town.

“The volunteer is their lifeline, in many cases, letting me know when they see deterioration in their client… Elizabeth Martinez and I can get them additional help, if needed.

“Our volunteers do what they can to make their client’s life a little easier — and let them know that someone who cares is there for them.”

President of the GVAS Board of Directors Glenn Lundell extolled overall volunteer services in Green Valley and said, “There is no better place where this is exemplified than GVAS.”

In summing up all that volunteers do, Kang said, “Without them, we could not function… they’re the heart and soul of our agency.”

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.