FALL INTERNS FOCUS ON VOLUNTEERS continued on page 6IN MEMORY OF SR. VERONICA MALONEY

continued on page 6

PUTTING SENIORS & VOLUNTEER CAREGIVING ON THE RADAR continued on page 7

C O N N E C T I O N

1765 Goodyear Avenue, Ste #205 • Ventura, CA 93003-8015

IN THIS ISSUE

FALL 2016 PUBLISHED BI-ANNUALLY VOLUME 33, No. 2

In Memory of Sr. Veronica Maloney ............... 1 Putting Seniors and Volunteer Caregiving on the Radar .................................. 1 Fall Interns Focus on Volunteers ..................... 1Stock Gifts, Insurance and Planned Giving on the Rise at CAREGIVERS ................ 2 Welcome Omron! ............................................. 2Mel Sheeler Retires; Named Honorary Director ............................................ 2Celebrating Andy & Tina Killion ..................... 3Sailathon ........................................................... 3Building Bridges Alumni Launch Media Start-Up ................................................. 3Profile Match: Mitsy and Paula ....................... 4Remembering Those Who Bring Meaning to Our Work and Volunteerism ....................... 5Donor List.......................................................... 5Soil & Succulents with The Landscaping Lady ..................................... 7Recruiting Volunteers in Camarillo ................. 7

Putting Seniors & Volunteer Caregiving on the RadarCalifornia philanthropy is on the rise, according to a report issued by The Foun-dation Center. However, designated donations for seniors are on the decline.

In California alone, seniors represent around 1.5 percent of the population and yet donations to social services represent only 1.1 percent of the state’s roughly $8.2 billion in total philanthropy. That’s a revealing figure given the speed at which the nation’s population is aging. The Pew Research Center reports that America is not far on the heels of Germany, Italy and Japan. By the year 2020, it will be the first time in history that Americans over 65 outnumber children under the age of five.

Ventura County Senior Health Care Continuum. CAREGIVERS is at the center of senior support in Ventura County. The organization works with 150 other local or regional organizations, and five paratransit providers to meet the needs of seniors.

Volunteers who are handy with a screwdriver and a hammer aren’t new to CAREGIVERS. In fact, Volunteer Keith York has been pioneering those efforts for 33 years. What is new is CAREGIVERS effort to bring

Fall Interns Focus on Volunteerslike-minded volunteers together where they can share their ideas and experiences for serving seniors in the community.

Meet the Honey-Do Crew. They’ve been known to change a lightbulb, fix a leaky faucet, swap out a wobbly toilet seat. You name it. They’ve even installed water heaters, grab bars and stair railings. In some cases, CAREGIVERS is able to identify resources for free supplies, but in all cases, the labor is provided at no cost thanks to these talented men and women.

CAREGIVERS Honey Do Crew: (L-R) Paul White, Jay Evans, Keith York and Greg Barron. Not pictured is Michelle Machart.

In Memory of Sr. Veronica MaloneyCAREGIVERS Co-Founder Sister Veronica Maloney of St. Anthony’s Parish in Oxnard died Friday, October 28, 2016 at the age of 97. She passed peacefully and with great haste in her home with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Holy Family Community in Los Angeles.

Thirty-three years ago, Sr. Veronica had just submitted a proposal to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for start up funds for volunteer caregiving. With this effort, she and co-founder, Sr. Patricia Callahan, hoped to enhance the quality of life for seniors in Ventura County. “There will be no duplication of what’s going on in the county,” she said to the Star Free Press in December 1983. “There are some good programs,

2 CAREGIVERS Heart & Hands

Donors Mary Mead, J. Susan Sher and Jack Tingstrom all made major gift commitments to CAREGIVERS over the summer.

Mary Frances Mead died a year ago in October and remembered CARE-GIVERS in her will with a gift that the Board designated for the endow-ment. She was one of the seniors served by CAREGIVERS and we introduced her to our wonderful volunteers, Leah Wiedey and Chris

Gelalich, who each helped her at different times over the years with simple neighborly deeds, friendly visits, organizing hospital bills and accompanying her to the doctor. These gestures often make the difference between comfort and crisis.

Susan Sher began volunteering with the CAREGIVERS community in 2010. She has a special interest in seniors who are facing the final leg of their journey alone without the support system of a family, and in many cases living beyond their circle of friends. For this reason, she committed to being a donor very early in her relationship with the organization. “The work CARE-GIVERS does in the community is so touching. I’d been meaning to make this gift for a long time,” Susan said, adding, “Wherever the funds are needed most is fine with me. I feel better for having begun the process.” Susan worked with her broker to leverage a stock gift to CAREGIVERS through the Ventura County Community Foundation as well as including the organization in her will. Her gift allows for CAREGIVERS to use the funds as

needed. When possible, the CAREGIVERS Board of Directors puts a priority on building the organization’s endowment which they’ve been able to nearly double in the last five years.

Former Ventura Mayor Jack Tingstrom was introduced to CAREGIVERS 25 years ago when friend and board member Norm Weitzel asked for his support in launching a golf tournament to benefit the organization. “Normie was one of my best friends and I’ve always sought to follow his example of being a volunteer and a donor,” Tingstrom said. Over the last five years, Tingstrom has hosted golf registrants whether he could play in the tournament or not. “My goal is to introduce new faces and new donors to the work we’re doing for seniors in Ventura County,” he said. “The Norm Weitzel Open which is the signature piece of the McGrath Family Wearin’ o’ the Green is a fun way to bring people on board. They get a great day of golf and we have them captive for a few hours to explain the cause. It’s a win-win.”

Jack stopped by in September to write a sponsorship check out for the 2017 tournament and to seed the funds for his plans to create The Jack Tingstrom Endowment for CAREGIVERS. He is also naming the organization in an insurance policy that will pay out upon his death. “These funds can be used at the discretion of CAREGIVERS with a priority on spreading the word to new friends whom I hope will see the importance of our mission.” ❤

Welcome Omron! Mel Sheeler Retires; Named Honorary Director The Board of Directors is honored to bestow the title of Honorary Director upon a long-time member of the CAREGIVERS family, Mel Sheeler. Mel first joined the CAREGIVERS Board of Directors in 2004 not long after he began serving on the committee for the Wearin’ o’ the Green and was instrumental in adding the name of its founder, The Norm Weitzel Open. In fact, Mel’s commitment became deeper and deeper over the years, not just to CAREGIVERS but throughout the community where he was known as the man who

“knows everybody!” Former Board Chair Ann Romero said, “I have had the privilege of serving alongside of him for many years. I can’t begin to name all he has brought to CAREGIVERS. Thank you just isn’t enough to say. Mel will be so dearly missed and we wish him and Cathy a wonderful, peaceful retirement.” After making a couple of attempts at retirement, Mel and his wife, Cathy, decided to move to Henderson, NV where they would be able to make a clean break. To our good fortune, they still come back to visit their kids and grandkids, though! ❤

Stock Gifts, Insurance and Planned Giving on the Rise at CAREGIVERS

(L-R) Tammy Glenn and Marketa Pospechova accepted a first-time grant from Omron’s Delta Tau Division, with gratitude to our Volunteer Carole MacNaughton and Delta Tau CEO, Mr. Yasuto Ikuta. ❤

CAREGIVERS Heart & Hands 3

Celebrating Andy & Tina Killion

CAREGIVERS Advisory Member Andy Killion did a trial run on the SAILATHON on Sunday, November 3, 2002. He and his wife, Tina, were joined by six others: Udo Gietl “Quantum,” Bruce and Tobey Tabor “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” Charlene Maloney “Charlie,” Jim Donnell “Thistle,” and Gregg and Zaza Kasl “Par Avion.” They raised $3,632. Some of those original sponsors are still with the event today including Ginny & Bob Camarillo, Island Packers, Michael Stuzane, Ventura Boat Yard, S. Blake Wade and Dino & Diane Ulrich. CAREGIVERS is proud to join the Association of Fundraising Professionals in honoring Andy & Tina Killion on November 17 as “Ventura County Volunteer of the Year” for their work in establishing a signature fundraising event that has now marked 15 years. Congratulations, Andy and Tina, and thank you! ❤

SAILATHON Takes 15th Lap Around Pierpont Bay Having now marked its 15th year, the SAILATHON fundraising

event for CAREGIVERS is branching further and further out into the community. Competition for the best “Ugly Fish” recipe heated up this year. Local restaurants are now vying for the best Ugly Fish Dish in town. Danny’s Deli & Grill served up an Ugly Fish Bagel and Cream Cheese. The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood is becoming known for their Ugly Fish Sandwich and Margarita Villa for Drunken Ugly Fish. Joining this year were Victoria Pub & Grill’s Ugly Fish ‘n Chips, 805 Bar & Grilled Cheese Ugly Fish BLAT, Copa Cubana’s Ugly Fish Paella, The Waterside Restaurant & Wine Bar’s Ugly Fish Sangria, and La Dolce Vita’s Ugly Fish (Ahi) Dinner. Sponsors included: Union Bank , Bob & Ginny Camarillo, La Dolce Vita, ElderAdmin, SCANHealth Plan, Richard & Susan Countess, Ventura Harbor Boatyard, Channel Watch Marine, Sharon Breitling, Dignity Health, Channel Coast Marine, AAA Pro-pane Service, and SoCal-Gas/Sempra Energy Utility. While CAREGIVERS is the ultimate winner, local yacht clubs and sailors did vie for top honors. The Award for raising the most money, Ca$h Me If You Can, went to Randy Alcorn of Anacapa Yacht Club and the coveted Ugly Fish Award for most participation went once again to Pierpont Bay Yacht Club. ❤

Just in time for 2015, the crew produced three 30-second Public Service Announcements and this last year, imaginations took off to create and produce a short film about the event’s mascot, The Ugly Fish.

“We had no trouble obtaining testimony from local officials,” said Production Coordinator PJ Sullivan, who volunteered from 2007-2009 with business partner Garrick Santos, when they were in high school. Interviews included Former California Coastal Commissioner Brian Brennan, Port of Hueneme Commissioner Jason Hodge, Sailors Randy Alcorn and Andy Killion, Former Ventura Mayors Jack Tingstrom and Cheryl Heitmann, Fisheries Biologist Steve Howard, Social Psychologist Martin Kaplan, Danny’s Deli owner Wendy Collings and Chabad of Oxnard Rabbi Dov Muchnik. “We had an initial script, but the film really made itself,” said Film Editor John Willner. Colleagues Santos and David Willner agreed, noting that it was not difficult to get folks to talk. “Community leaders seem eager to get

Building Bridges Alumni Launch Media Start-Up

BUILDING BRIDGES ALUMNI LAUNCH MEDIA START-UP continued on page 6

...And the ugly fish award goes to PBYC!

Alumni from the Building Bridges Intergenerational Program number close to 500 now, so it’s not unusual for CAREGIVERS to see them returning from college, settling into jobs and stepping up to volunteer in their adult lives.

In the last couple of years, two alumni formed a film company, Crucible Creativity, and approached CAREGIVERS with opportunities to create media around the annual SAILATHON.

Crucible Creativity’s PJ Sullivan, Garrick Santos and David Willner set up to interview Danny’s Deli owner, Wendy Collings for their short film, “In Search of...The Ugly Fish”

4 CAREGIVERS Heart & Hands

Profile Match: Mitsy and PaulaIf one were to ask me to choose a phrase that best describes the relationship of these two, it would have that they both have a “zest for life.” This is the first impression I had when I visited the home of Paula, who lives in a quiet neighborhood of Ventura. In fact, if you could only hear these two talking together, they could be mistaken for two teenagers!

Paula was paired with Mitsy about four years ago and the staff member at CAREGIVERS really got it right. When they met it was a perfect match, and it was the first time for both of them in the program. Their relationship is perhaps somewhat unique since they generally spend little time in the home of Paula. You see, they would rather go out together for the approximately 3 hours Mitsy spends with Paula each week. “Going out” to them means shopping together, having lunch and an occasional appointment. And this close relationship is even more amazing in that they both come from really very different backgrounds.

Paula is a life-long resident of Ventura County and was born in Camarillo. Her husband did farming in the County and they had two daughters together. Tragically, when the two girls were very young, her husband died and Paula had to support the family. For a while she found work in Oxnard with the Oxnard Seed Company and Hiji Brothers Farming. Later in Ventura, she found a job she really liked working for the County at Ventura County Hospital which then led to a position at the Government Center.

Paula has never driven a car, so when I asked how she got to work she said, “I walked!” That was until a co-worker started giving her a ride, but it shows the spunk and mind set of this now 89-year old. After 23 years of working for the County of Ventura, Paula retired. Her daughters are doing well with one living in Washington State and the other in Hawaii.

Mitsy, on the other hand, was born in Japan and as a young lady met an American Marine officer there in Japan. He was stationed in South Korea but traveled often to a base in Japan. They fell in love with each other and after some time were married. Eventually the Marines stationed him here at the Ventura Naval Base and he retired as a high ranking officer. They had two boys. Even back then, Mitsy did volunteer work at the base. She took an interest in nursing and went to college to become an RN, and spent much of her time working for the Red Cross, much of which was spent on the base. Around four years ago, she was looking for volunteer work, but no longer in the nursing arena. She heard about CAREGIVERS, liked the good it was doing in the community, and was paired with Paula.

There are really two CAREGIVERS stories with Paula and Mitsy. First of all, there is no one type of relationship between the volunteer and recipient. Staying in the house is the last place Paula wants to be so they are out at their favorite restaurant for lunch, shopping and just enjoying each other’s company. Secondly, one’s life experiences can be as different as those of Paula and Mitsy and still be a perfect match.

Volunteer caregiving is a national movement with the wisdom to see the value of relationships. In doing so, it has enriched the lives of both of these lovely ladies, reinforcing cultural values and offering a sense of security to elderly men and woman who would otherwise be alone. ❤

Remembering Those Who Bring Meaning to Our Work and Volunteerism...

Sending special wishes to the family of Senior Gisele Gallagher who has

been part of the CAREGIVERS family since our inception in 1984.

Ruth Bierne since November 2010Centenarian Howard Boroughs

since January 2001Vivian Bozley since June 2008

Margaret Brennan since August 2010Martha Breyer since October 2008

June Clark since June 2010Edith Cole since November 2010Marian Dance since May 2014

Lou Dejong since July 2012Robert DiMaggio since March 2012

David Doal since September 2012William Dolan since January 2012Marian Donnelly since April 2010Gisele Gallagher since May 1984

Mary Griego since April 2002Anthony Guzman since March 2011Thomas Guzzone since October 2013

Carmella Ladiana since July 2011Alice Lapan since 2002

Robert LeVan since June 2007Isabel Levitt since June 2015

Centenarian Vi Limpus since July 2004Mary McGee since April 2016

Arthur Monzon since August 2012Bill Murray since October 2010

Seymour Posner since February 2015Charlie Romero since January 2016

Saburo Shizuru since June 2009Thomas Simmons since August 2010Mary Jane Sylvestre since May 2013

John Tobias since February 2013Kate Tobias since April 2014

Eleanor Viramontes since January 2008Thelma Watson since September 2003

James Westling since September 2010 ❤

Phot

o Cr

edit:

Jim

Bon

ner

FOUNDATION

By Volunteer Jim Bonner

CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly wishes to thank everyone for their generous support.

Following is a list of Donors who were able to give from April 7, 2016 through

October 31, 2016

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

CORPORATIONS, FOUNDATIONS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

SAILATHON

Annette Glass In honor of the Building Bridges ProgramTammy I. Glenn In honor of Sister Patricia CallahanTammy I. Glenn In honor of Cie Macias and Ann RomeroRuth Judkins In honor of Barbara Weinberg’s 80th BirthdayPaula Kelley In honor of Don BellessVivien Mason In honor of Virginia Trueblood’s 100th BirthdayBerta Steele In honor of Rabbi Lisa Hochberg-MillerJack Tingstrom In honor of Mel Sheeler

Richard Calzada In memory of Michael L. RamirezRon & Barbara D'Incau In memory of Lee & Vivian SolomenRobin & Linda Dillon In memory of Kay PrinceErnie & Suzy J. Melonas In memory of Nick & Olga MelonasLeonora Schreiber In memory of Alfred SchreiberAnnie Shim In memory of Hi-Young Clara AnnDaniel & Joanne Wakelee In memory of Kay Prince

AAA Propane Services Inc.Randy AlcornAnacapa Yacht ClubAlan L. AnnisGeorgette AudetAnil BamezaiLauri BarcelonaL. BarraRichard Barrett, Jr.Jeff BirdtMichael BlevinsSharon A. BreitlingWilliam BuffingerDaniel CallaghanBob & Ginny CamarilloPatricia CastanonChannel Coast MarineChannel Watch MarineDavid ChaseDaniel ChepleyHank CorcoranDominic Cortese

GIFT IN KIND

IN HONOR OF IN MEMORY OF

Laura RobinsonMoveGreenSilicon Valley Community Foundation / Dell Employee

Engagement FundThe Players CasinoJack TingstromVentura County Deputy

Sheriffs’ AssociationWadelaw

SILVERSTRAND OPEN

Altria Group Inc.AmazonSmile FoundationAmgen FoundationAT&T, YourCauseCity of CamarilloFirst United Methodist ChurchKaiser Foundation Hospital

Robert T. & Rosemary AgeeAnthony BanandoLauri BarcelonaMatthew & Theresa BasoloApril BentonRichard CalzadaJudith K. ChamberlinJames & Susan CheekChouinard Family TrustAustin & Mary Jo CoeBeverly Ann Erickson

Andria’s Seafood RestaurantB3WBoatU.S.Brophy Brothers Restaurant

& Clam BarChannel Islands Maritime MuseumChannel Islands Sportfishing

CenterChannel Watch MarineCopa CubanaCustom EmbroideryDocument Systems

You can use the PayPal button at

www.vccaregivers.org to make your gift today. Just be sure to send us an email

to info@vccaregivers.org designating your honoree.

Some donors are not listed and wish to remain anonymous. If

your name is missing, incorrectly listed or misspelled, please accept

our sincere apology and bring the error to our attention.

CAREGIVERS: Volunteers

Assisting the Elderly does not sell or share its donor list with any

other organization.ElderAdminElite Island ResortsExecutive Limousine & CoachFITZONEHoney Cup Coffee BarIsland PackersJersey Mike’s SubLatitude 38Llewellyn Supply CompanyLost In SocksLure Fish HouseJudy Mikovits

Kim MorrisMom & Pop Flower ShopNew West SymphonyNoah’s BagelsOttavio’s Italian RestaurantPort SupplySanta Ynez Band of Chumash

IndiansSnapper Jack’s Taco ShackS&S Bankcard SystemsSweet Pea’s Flower & GiftsThe Boatyard Café

The Bunker, Indoor Golf CenterThe Refill ShoppeVentura Harbor BoatyardVentura Harbor Marina & Yacht YardVentura SwimwearVTS, Ventura Transit SystemVickie Lanford Jewelry DesignVom FassBlake WadeWalmartWheel Fun RentalsYolanda’s Mexican Cafe

KrogerLivingston Memorial FoundationOmron FoundationSilicon Valley Community

Foundation/Edison International

Sisters of The Holy Cross

Ilona Veszpeller & Marika I. Gapper

Tammy I. Glenn & David Schwartz

Sherry Lynn HarrisKaren JensenMary R. JohnsonMartin & Lydia KaplanEdward & Susan LaceyCie MaciasCarole MacNaughton

SoCal Gas A Sempra Energy Utility Advanced Meter

S&S Bankcard SystemsThe Annenberg FoundationTri-County Life & Health InsuranceTrinity Lutheran ChurchUnitarian Universalist Church

Alicia MaesJohn O. Marshall &

Frances MarshallAugie MartinezDelilah MaxonSharon P. McGahanBeverlee McGrathWilliam & Marlene MileyD. A. OstranderMichele OvergardMaria Page

of VenturaUnited Way California Capital

RegionUnited Way of Ventura CountyVentura County Community

FoundationWalmart Store #2032

Margery A. RicardsEdward RoseDorothy SchupbachLillian C. SeminaroSusan Lane StalbirdBerta SteeleTyler & Patricia P. TugwellBlake WadeMary J. WallaceBarbara Ann WeinbergJean Wittman

Richard & Susan CountessJeffrey CowanBill & Jacquelyn CrewCrucible CreativityJoleen DarlandStacey Deering & Courtney LettRichard DennisDignity HealthCaroline DishmanElderAdminDouglas FajardoDawnita FendleyAndres FernandezGreg FrankBill GibbsTammy I. Glenn & David SchwartzGary GoodmanSherri & Pat GreenLindsey HansonMargaret Harris

James HendrickMike & Lisa HopperJoe HorswillDaniel JordanAndy KillionLa Dolce VitaRobin LamarCraig & Doris LeveraultAugie MartinezRich & Mary MarxWilliam MattsonDick McNishZoltan MetlagelKim MorrisTom NelsonRichard PearsallStacy PetersonSteve PondKen ReclaKatherine RegesterLisa RizzoTina Roberson

Jeff & Tammy RobinsonArnold RothJerry & Char RothSCAN Health PlanJohn SchwartzRoss SkidmoreSoCalGasScott SpeierHall StrattonDavid TrudeRobert UnderwoodMatt VariotVentura Harbor BoatyardVentura Outrigger Canoe ClubCatherine VetranoBlake WadeChristian WatersCornelius F. WeinrichTed WrightDavid WillnerMitchell Yount

CAREGIVERS Heart & Hands 5

ARTZworksBeachcomber TavernChannel Island GullsJohn ChiangGhost Management GroupFiona MaPremier AmericaMary Anne RooneySearle CreativeThe Port of Hueneme

WEARIN’ O’ THE GREEN

Our deepest condolences

to former staffer Marion Holzworth

on the sudden loss of her husband,

Jim Mangis, February 14, 2016.

6 CAREGIVERS Heart & Hands

“Our imagination has been working overtime thanks to the Hank Lacayo Institute at CSUCI,” said Program Manager Courtney Darrough. “For two semesters in a row, we’ve had paid interns assisting us with our volunteer coordination.” In fact, CAREGIVERS transitioned Spring Intern Megan Hickernell into the administrative assistant/volunteer coordinator role.

While Megan has been mastering the administrative pieces of her new position and producing back-to-back fundraising events, she’s been able to continue her goals from last semester thanks to the appointment of Kasey Mendelbaum who interns until December 2016. Three additional interns are obtaining class credit through Dr. Carol Mack’s Health Science class. Michael Alfaro, Ilse Fuentes and Danielle McMichael are focusing on other aspects such as outreach to corporations, churches and synagogues and concierge services that will donate support and offer volunteers.

Lastly, Dr. Nancy Chen of CSUCI is building on previous course-work through her Health Communication class. A student team from her class is in the process of producing a video that will be used in volunteer recruiting. Sean Fernandez who is leading the team said, “We’re hoping to put a fresh spin on working with seniors by making a strong case for CAREGIVERS the way Sara MacLachlan has for the American Society For The Prevention of Cruelty To Animals.”

Presentations of the student projects will be featured at a Holiday Open House in December. For more information, please contact Executive Director Tammy Glenn. ❤

FALL INTERNS FOCUS ON VOLUNTEERS continued from 1 IN MEMORY OF SR. VERONICA MALONEY continued from 1

Thank You Ben Hopps & Tom Pabst

Megan and Kasey

New Online Store Launched in time for Holiday Purchases

Visit http://www.zazzle.com/vccaregivers

this story out about The Ugly Fish,” Santos said. Willner concurred, adding, “and that’s only going to bring more attention to the SAILATHON and ultimately, seniors in Ventura County who need our support.”

The production spanned nearly eight months and the initial product is a 12-minute short film that is now featured on CAREGIVERS website and on YouTube. Advisor Jamie Pliska, who handles the camera for ABC7 News reviewed the work, “I’m very impressed with the quality,” Pliska said. “Crucible Creativity achieved camera angles that are not easily obtained, and the final cut is extremely professional with lots of options for future renditions.”

Crucible Creativity offers a wide range of media services and are currently focused on producing promotional videos for small businesses. ❤

BUILDING BRIDGES ALUMNI LAUNCH MEDIA START-UP continued from page 3

FOUNDATION

but we feel [helping frail, elderly people remain independent] is needed.”

Srs. Veronica and Patricia ultimately launched one of the original pilot programs, our own CAREGIVERS, which stands as a model to close to 700 programs across the nation.

“My experience with the aged indicates that most of the time, someone needs a reason to live,” said Sr. Pat. “Often their basic needs can be handled. But if they’re not interested in life, everything is a mountain to climb. We want to better their attitude to help them over the hurdles.”

Volunteer Keith York remembered Sr. Veronica fondly. “She could read people from the inside-out,” York said. “She had a background in education that served her well in working with the senior community.”

Former Executive Director Carol Boatner also worked with Sr. Veronica, continuing her work for close to 25 years. “She was the heart of the program. I started with her when she was Director of Volunteers,” Carol said, recalling the fearless courage she observed in Sr. Veronica who would march down into the poorest of areas to help a senior in need. “She took me under her wing and from there, I was hooked. She was everything, and I really wanted to stay forever and continue her work after she left the program.”

Sr. Veronica came to the order in 1939 and served for 77 years. ❤

CAREGIVERS Heart & Hands 7

Caption Caption Caption

PUTTING SENIORS & VOLUNTEER CAREGIVING ON THE RADAR continued from 1

“These numbers resonate with us at CAREGIVERS because we field calls every day from folks who are fighting to live beyond being a statistic,” said Executive Director Tammy Glenn. “While resources tend to be more readily available at crisis points, such as medical care and hospice, it’s the grey areas that remain the most underfunded for this vulnerable community. We’re talking about everyday people, like our parents, you and me.”

While this newsletter was underway, CAREGIVERS received a call that 72-year old Tom, a senior enrolled since 2013, died following surgery. This was a heartbreaker. He and his wife had both been diagnosed simultaneously with cancer. They have been surviving on a pittance, at one point even homeless for awhile. A son lives several hours out of the area, and the economics of relocating didn’t add up in either direction. Cancer treatments and living costs took their toll, so much so that neither of them were driving any longer. It’s at this stage when picking up a prescription, let alone getting to regular doctor’s appointments, becomes a challenge.

“This issue isn’t just transportation,” Glenn added, “It’s a huge issue of physical and emotional security and comfort.” Veteran benefits and Medicaid usually kick in when they’re supposed to, but it’s the everyday, quality of life issues that become a challenge. The private sector must prepare for the year 2040 when seniors will represent 21.7 percent of the U.S. population. Social services and non-profits like volunteer caregiving play an integral role in the community’s healthcare continuum, and it takes the commitment of the entire community to ensure that these services endure.

According to the Foundation Center, senior issues rank low on the list of Human Services. Certainly Children & Youth, Women & Girls and Economically Disadvantaged are among the leading causes. One finds Aging/Seniors ranking near the bottom with support for Offenders and Ex-Offenders, Single

Parents and Refugees. Even corporate support is waning as boards re-prioritize and channel support to more strategic areas of growth—even if that’s on the other side of the world.

Sixty-eight year old Navy Veteran Peter enrolled with CAREGIVERS a year ago. He is recovering from a stroke and has limited mobility. “He uses a wheelchair full-time and is determined to remain living in his home,” said Program Manager Courtney Darrough. “His is a more challenging situation because this is a man who really needs some regular assistance with bathing and household maintenance. He’s vibrant in that he’s still engaged in his life, but in that tweener stage where he can’t see himself in an assisted living or full-time care facility. Everyday, we meet people who have themselves reached or who are approaching this stage with their parents.”

With all the recent news about the foundation and where philanthropy is targeted, it’s worthwhile to take a look at the local and national landscape with regard to seniors. In fact, top funding priorities for the state’s foundations haven’t changed much over the years. Education, Health, and Nonprofit Management account for nearly half of the donor dollars. What might come as a surprise is that Animal Welfare and the Environment rank well above many Human Service interests, among which you’ll find Aging & Seniors. Long-time donor and former CAREGIVERS Board Member S. Blake Wade notes, “We’ve always had trouble making a strong case for support of seniors. On one hand, I under stand investing in our children and investing in our future, but what does it say about us when we ignore our elderly, especially the ones who are left alone with no support?”

As for Tom, CAREGIVERS volunteers were available through the final days of his journey as they will be for his wife, reminding her that she isn’t alone. ❤

Soil & Succulents with The Landscaping Lady

Andrea Fields, aka The Landscaping Lady, conducted a volunteer workshop in July to demonstrate how to plant succulents. Volunteers enjoyed some social time, sharing stories and the gift of their own potted plant to take home. ❤

Recruiting Volunteers in CamarilloProgram Coordinator George Harrell presented volunteer opportunities at the Leisure Village Senior Fair last June. Camarillo seniors represent one of CAREGIVERS biggest constituencies. ❤

Bob & Ginny CAMARILLO

In honor of our founders, The Sisters of St. Joseph

of Carondelet

8 CAREGIVERS Heart & Hands

CAREGIVERS MISSIONTo promote the health, well-being, dignity and independence of frail, homebound

elders through one-on-one relationships with trusted volunteers.

1765 Goodyear Avenue, Suite 205Ventura, CA 93003-8015

Phone (805) 658-8530Fax (805) 658-8537

www.vccaregivers.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS OUR TEAMHoward Boroughs In MemoriamLarry BusheyVirginia A. CamarilloJack CollingsAndy KillionAnna KittlesonFiona MaDan McGrathShane MorgerMel SheelerJudy ThieleJack TingstromHon. Harry WalshNorm Weitzel, In MemoriamKeith YorkJohn Zaruka

Gail Field, Chair

Karen Jensen, R.N., Ph.D., Vice Chair

John D. L. McBride, Treasurer

Marty Kaplan Secretary

Cecilia MaciasAugie MartinezAnn Romero

Thank you to Jim Bonner, Volunteer Photographer

Tammy I. Glenn, M.B.A., Executive Director

Courtney M. Darrough, Program Manager

George Harrell, Building Bridges Coordinator

Megan Hickernell, Administrative Assistant

Marketa Pospechova, Program Assistant

Lauri Barcelona, Barcelona Bookkeeping

Laura Cunz, RiversEdge Graphic Design

Carolyn Gamble, Foundation Relations

CAREGIVERS is one of the original pilot programs for volunteer caregiving — in the nation! Founded in 1984, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet collaborated with Trinity Lutheran Church, Ventura; First United Methodist Church, Ventura; Sisters of Holy Cross; National Council of Jewish Women; First United Methodist Women, Ventura; First Presbyterian Church, Santa Paula; Ventura County Church of Religious Science, and the Aid Association for Lutherans. CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly is committed to providing services, offering employment and volunteer opportunities to all, without discriminating on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin or disability.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

US POSTAGEPAID

OXNARD, CAPERMIT NO. 415

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

SIXTH ANNUAL-

ISH

PUTT PUTTGOLF TOURNEY!

in memory of Channel Islands Gulls Founder

Wanda PirkleSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19Noon Registration/Sealon Salon, Oxnard

Hosted by Jason Hodge & Honorary Director Fiona Ma

With gratitude toGhost Management GroupThe Beachcomber Tavern

ARTZworks.com Gallery & WorkshopJohn Chiang

Port of HuenemeFiona Ma

Port Commissioner Maryanne RooneyPremier America

Searle Creative Group

2016 SilverStrand Open