August 2023

Lisa, You're Just What the Doctor Ordered!

Non-profits have long measured the many ways their clients benefit from their volunteers' service. And for the last two decades, research has shown that volunteers also reap hefty rewards from sharing their time and talent, ranging from increased longevity to being happier than their non-volunteering peers. Volunteering is in the spotlight again but this time centerstage is the English physician’s office where some doctors are “social prescribing.” This concept, pioneered by Dr. Michael Dixon, is what both patient and doctor think will get patients to a better place. Rather than diagnose, providers find out “what matters to them [the patient] rather than what’s the matter with them.” One social prescription doctors are giving to patients? Volunteer! Intrigued? Read more here!

Retrainings Due, Plus One New One!

Thanks for complying with our funders' retraining requirements!

SPECIAL NOTE: Any volunteer who oriented in 2023 (January 1 – present) does not need to complete HIPAA, Elder Abuse, and Food Safety retrainings as your 2023 orientation met this requirement.

NEW!!! In an effort to prevent volunteer injuries, the Neighborly Safety Committee has established an annual requirement for Fall Prevention and Road Safety Training for all volunteers (except those who oriented on or after 8/1/2023). Please click the purple training link below and review, then click and complete the attestation. Our goal is to get all volunteers trained by August 31, 2023. We promise to streamline all retrainings and to update old dates in videos/retrainings going forward!

Fall Prevention and Road Safety Training and its attestation

For all volunteers who oriented prior to 2023 and who have not yet completed the retrainings for HIPAA, Elder Abuse, and Food Safety, please complete these as well.

HIPAA retraining and its attestation
Elder Abuse retraining and its attestation

Only Meals on Wheels, Pantry, and Dining Site volunteers who oriented prior to 2023 are required to complete this retraining:

Food Safety retraining and its attestation

Thanks so much!

Volunteers Make BIG Impact

Neighborly regularly surveys its clients asking, "In what way has your delivery driver (volunteer) made a difference?" Here is what they told us recently:

Not a single one that hasn't been charming
All of them are wonderful (x4)
All of them have been friendly to me and my dog. They all acknowledge my dog and that makes me happy.
David (x2)
Thursday volunteer was real nice
Downtown boogie, Mike. Really nice guy.
Drivers always been helpful
Kathy, M.J.
Great (x14!)
I like Nancy (x3). Nancy is amazing; Nancy is really nice and talks
Kathy and Bob...extra nice
Kathy on Tuesdays very nice
A few want to talk
Mary
Mike (x5)
Monday girl, Monday guy very nice
Nice, nice people (x5)
One who delivers on Wednesday, makes my day.
Sue, Wayne, Tim, Marilyn, Tom
They all ask how I am doing and very personal
Mary on Thursdays
They are excellent
On Fridays, the gal is really nice
They make sure that I have my meals
Woman who delivers on Tuesdays
All are great, but CLM701A (Wednesday driver) - waters my plants
CLM701B - Tuesday female. She offered to bring in mail during the heavy rain
Jim brings my meal inside for me
Luke (PHD707) is like a grandson. He makes sure I'm doing alright every time he comes.

Clearly, you are making the lives of these seniors richer for being in them. Keep connecting, keep engaging! Thank you!

Please remember to clock in and out to record your volunteer hours!

By accurately tracking your hours we are better able to project the need for volunteers each month which is especially critical during our summer months.

Friendly Reminder: Unattended Meals Policy

For MOW volunteers, please remember to never leave a meal unattended. This is very important for client safety. Clients receive a letter from Neighborly explaining this policy. Volunteers must see a human being take the meal into the home. Please see a site coordinator if there are questions.

Thanks so much!

Urgent Volunteer Needs

Here are the most pressing volunteer needs we have at Neighborly:

Medical Transportation: Rides to/from medical appointments (no lifting or wheelchairs): two to four hours a week, choose your region of the county – 10 volunteers needed. Please refer those interested to Hilary.
Meals on Wheels: Back ups and vacation coverage for most sites needed! Please contact your site coordinator to offer extra help.
Data entry (we train!): two hours per month – Clearwater office - 1-2 volunteers needed. Please refer those interested to Hilary.
New volunteer orientation presentation and admin assistance: 3 hours per month – 2 volunteers needed. Please refer those interested to Hilary.

Going the Extra Mile

LSP Site Coordinator Robert Wall has nominated volunteers Jeff and Linda Busch for this month's Going the Extra Mile column. Jeff and Linda deliver five (five!) routes every week at LSP and provide great customer service.

Wow, thanks so much to you both!

Anyone can nominate a volunteer for this monthly mention, so please send Hilary an email with names, details and a photo of the volunteer you'd like to recognize!

"The simple act of listening to someone and making them feel as if they have truly been heard is

a most treasured gift."

— L. A. Villafane

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Questions? Call: 727-573-9444 or

click HERE to email Volunteer Services