VISTE’s mission is to enable frail and elderly persons to remain
safely and independently in their own homes.
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President's Message
The Road to Independence
Do you remember your first car? I do… It was a Chevy El Camino with a camper top over the back. I still remember that first drive with Jim Croce playing on the radio; “Movin’ me down the highway, Rollin’ me down the highway, Movin’ ahead so life won’t pass me by.” There was something magical about...
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Transportation Spotlight
"We treat our clients like family."
Did you know that VISTE’s first program was Transportation Services? In 1983 a small group of volunteers saw an unmet need in the community to provide transportation for local seniors. Over the years, the need has grown significantly, and today VISTE typically provides over 15,000 client...
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Mission Moment
Rosemary & Clara
VISTE's Transportation department plays a pivotal role in enabling the frail and elderly to remain safely and independently in their own homes. In addition, the social interaction between clients and VISTE drivers helps to alleviate social isolation among seniors, especially those living alone...
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"VISTE has been a real blessing to the community. We need neighbors and friends to look out for each other. It only takes me a few hours a week to volunteer and make a difference!”
– Frank O’Reilly
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Former Lakeland mayor and commissioner, retired businessman, and one of the original founders of VISTE, Frank currently volunteers twice-weekly as a Hot Meals delivery driver. |
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How You Can Help Clients Stay Independent
Lisa Marquette, Development Director
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I’m delighted that our Summer 2021 newsletter focuses on VISTE’s oldest and largest program, Transportation Services! Not only is it widely used by clients – over 15,000 trips per year! – but it was the very first service VISTE offered 38 years ago. But did you know that Transportation Services is also VISTE’s most costly program to run?
Everyone wants to stay as independent as possible as they age – and being able to drive is a key factor. However, when health issues and/or finances prohibit driving, our clients rely on VISTE to meet their needs.
We are grateful for the donations received from individuals, families, churches, civic organizations, local businesses, and foundations throughout the year. VISTE services would not be possible without your generous support! Revenue from our annual fundraising event, VISTEBall, also helps to cover a portion of the funding needed for programs like Transportation Services...
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Volunteer of the Year
Karen Volkmann
VISTE is proud to recognize Karen Volkmann as this year’s Volunteer of the Year! Karen is a true dynamo… You can find her helping in our warehouse, in the office, and preparing and delivering Hot Meals each week.
We are so grateful to Karen and all the time she gives back to VISTE in support of our elderly family members, friends, and neighbors in need. Karen is also a new VISTE Board member! Congratulations and thank you, Karen, for all you do!!!
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Ramp Volunteers Needed!
Did you know that in a typical year VISTE provides accessibility ramps, stairs, and stair rails to 60-75 VISTE clients, at no charge to the client? These essential modifications help enable your elderly neighbors to remain safely and independently in their own homes. We are seeking volunteers for our Ramp Crew, a group of VISTE volunteers who donate their time and talent to build and install ramps and other modifications. THANK YOU!
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Judy Dobbs Award
Each year, the Judy Dobbs Leadership Award is presented to a VISTE Board member who demonstrates excellence in serving our elderly clients in an exemplary fashion. During VISTE’s annual meeting in July, Rob Kincart presented the award posthumously to this year’s recipient, Don Barclay. Don was a dedicated Board and Advisory Board member over the past nine years with a passionate commitment to care for seniors in need. Don’s wife, Joyce, graciously accepted the award on his behalf. Longtime family friend Gap Kovach also attended. We are grateful for the unique life Don lived and shared with all who came across his path.
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Welcome new VISTE Board and Advisory Board Members!
Board of Directors:
- Kevin R. Albaum
- Greta Dupuy
- Bobbie Boatwright Harris
- Veronica Read Jackson
- Eduardo F. Morrell, Esq.
- Karen Volkmann
Advisory Board:
- Brandon Haley
- Kathryn Koch
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SAVE THE DATE!
VISTEBall 2022
Join us for VISTE’s signature fundraising event, the 17th Annual VISTEBall, on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at Sun ‘n Fun! See you there!
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Sign Up to Volunteer!
Would you like to make a difference in the life of a
VISTE client?
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RED, WHITE & KABOOM – Thank you! |
What a spectacular RED, WHITE & KABOOM Independence Day celebration! HUGE thanks to Paula and Tom Mims, as well as event sponsor T. Mims Corp., and the wonderful student volunteers from Lakeland Senior High School! Thanks also to VISTE volunteers Bob and Nancy Slavkovsky who assist with this event each year and to EVERYONE who donated funds and/or food items to benefit the frail and elderly in our community. 1,000 pounds of food were collected, and a record amount was received in monetary donations this year! THANK YOU!
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Donations often slow during summer months, but our clients need assistance year-round.
Your gift will help ensure that your elderly neighbors will continue to receive food and other essential services.
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The need is great, but together we are greater than the need! |
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VISTE.org | (863) 284-0828 | Stay Connected! Follow us on Facebook! |
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Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt agency. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. State Registration #CH28. Federal ID #59-2625297
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
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