VISTE’s mission is to enable elderly persons to remain

safely and independently in their own homes.

President's Message

by Steve Bissonnette

“The excitement is building!”

Did you know that the number of local seniors in need of assistance is on the rise? In 2024, VISTE received an average of 75 new client applications each month. That jumped to a record number of 95 new applications received this June. How does a local nonprofit that receives limited federal funding, provides services at no charge, and has no other form of earned income continue to serve a growing number of seniors in need?

VISTE’s mission could not be accomplished without you, so we’re pleased to share several ways in which VISTE is preparing for the future and how the excitement is building…

For more information on volunteering at VISTE, click here!

How Many Volunteers Does It Take to Keep VISTE Thriving?

By Kayla McClenthen

Volunteer & Events Manager

At VISTE, every volunteer is a vital piece of the puzzle. Whether you're delivering meals, assisting in the office, sorting groceries in the warehouse, building ramps, picking up donations, or serving on our committees – your time and dedication make a lasting impact! Because of YOU, we continue to fulfill our mission of helping elderly residents remain safely and independently in their homes. Over the past three months, we've seen incredible growth and support. THANK YOU!!

Thank You to Our Summer Volunteers!

• 64 new individual volunteers joined our efforts
• 10 new volunteer groups stepped up to help in the warehouse
• 19 returning groups continued their invaluable support
• 400 personal care boxes delivered to our clients
• We celebrated Red, White, and Kaboom with our friends at T-Mims Corp

Development News

Leave a Legacy, Help a Senior!

By Dorothy Blackwell

Development Manager

August is National Make-A-Will Month! VISTE encourages everyone to have a will or trust in place, or to update one prepared years ago. By including VISTE in your will or trust, you help ensure VISTE’s mission to benefit local seniors in need will be supported for years to come! Legacy gifts of ANY amount are appreciated can make an enduring impact in the lives of your elderly neighbors! Need inspiration? Click here to read the Neemann Family Legacy Giving testimonial.

Leadership Notes

Congratulations to VISTE Board Member Roger Snyder, recipient of the 2025 Judy Dobbs Leadership Award! The annual award recognizes outstanding service by a Board Member and is named after longtime VISTE volunteer Judy Dobbs. Roger is the president and owner of Dixie Signs in Lakeland, and almost all the signage you see at VISTE and our events is made by his company and donated to VISTE – including the “Community Wall,” frequently used as a backdrop for photos!

Client Story: A Living Legend 

By Mickey Norman

Client Services Manager

It's not every day you get to meet a living legend! Recently I was honored to meet with Herbert Dixon, Bartow's oldest resident, 105 years young! His family moved from Dade City to Bartow by horse and buggy when he was a young child. He began golfing when he was 17, learned to play and caddied at the Bartow Golf Course, and eventually became a professional golfer. In 2019 he was inducted into the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame. Mr. Dixon says he takes things "step by step and day by day.” What an amazing individual – still living independently up until just a short time ago. He has decided that a little help could be useful, and recently signed up to be a VISTE client – and is an inspiration to all of us at VISTE!

Photo credit: The Ledger

VISTE Cares 2025 | Personal Care Boxes

Thanks to everyone who sponsored, donated, packed, and delivered personal care boxes to bring hope and cheer to local seniors in need! Volunteers delivered 400 care boxes to VISTE’s most financially vulnerable clients in June. Thanks to YOU, we raised a record amount and received many heartfelt thank-you notes from our clients. THANK YOU!!

Save the Date

& Call for Volunteers!



Save the date for the following upcoming events and activities. Volunteers needed and appreciated!

• Wednesday 11/26/25 | 29^th Annual Thanksgiving Meal Delivery event

• Nov & Dec 2025 | Holiday Personal Care Boxes for clients

• December 2025 | Christmas gift bag delivery to clients

• Saturday 1/31/26 | 21^st Annual VISTEBall event

To sign up to volunteer, contact Kayla McClenthen at (863) 284-0828, ext. 1018, or email Kayla@viste.org. Visit our website at VISTE.org for more information. THANK YOU!!

Red, White & Kaboom 2025!!

Special thanks to the Mims family and T. Mims Corp. for sponsoring the annual “Red, White & Kaboom!” fireworks event in downtown Lakeland again this year! Thanks also to our wonderful VISTE volunteers, and to everyone who attended, donated, and brought canned goods! We received over 800 pounds of food for our elderly clients! See you next year!

Every day we receive calls for assistance with food, transportation, accessibility ramps, and other services. The needs are great, and VISTE works hard to accommodate those requests, at no charge to the client. THANK YOU for your contribution – it means so much to a senior in need! 

The need is great, but together we are greater than the need!

With Gratitude

Corporate Sponsors

VISTE Cares 2025 Personal Care Boxes Sponsors

Community Partners