27 Years of Compassion: Reflections from NHCO's In Service of Seniors Coordinator
by Cathy Pschirer, In Service of Seniors Coordinator
The In Service of Seniors (ISOS) program does so much for our aging neighbors. It provides them with dignity, support, and friendship as they age. It reminds them that they are not forgotten, and a valued and loved members of our community.
It’s been a pleasure to meet and assist thousands of older adults during my 27 years at NHCO. So many stories have been shared with me that provide insight into the fact that our seniors need more support than what they are receiving in today's world. Unfortunately, our society often seems to forget this vulnerable generation, the incredible contributions that they have made and how to ensure they receive the assistance they need.
I wanted to reflect on a few of our older neighbors who have received services through this life changing program:
When Mary – who is in her 90s – called, she was very skeptical of NHCO, saying, “I am going to go over the program with my lawyer," and I remember chuckling to myself because I knew how well this program worked. Mary now receives transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping, and she absolutely knows we are here to support her.
Janet, 92, had a wonderful life when she was younger. Unfortunately, a barrage of heartaches in her later years transformed her from a confident woman to a lonely woman who struggled. It breaks my heart to hear her say, "I'm ready to go." However, ISOS has matched her with a volunteer that visits with her to ease her loneliness, another volunteer that delivers food from our pantry, provides transportation to medical appointments, and more.
Ingrid was an older adult who moved to the North Hills from out of state. She was completely unfamiliar with the area and did not drive. Ingrid asked a social worker in her building how she could get to the grocery store and to her medical appointments. She was given my phone number and was encouraged to reach out. This was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I was unfortunately unable to meet with these individuals in their homes. However, we spoke over the phone, and I quickly learned that she was an absolute delight. Within a few weeks, she had a volunteer take her grocery shopping and another volunteer accompany her to her medical appointments to ensure she had the support she needed in her new community.
NHCO plays a critical role in allowing older adults in the North Hills to remain active in the community and access the services they need. But I would be remiss if I did not also give a huge thank you to the wonderful, and I mean wonderful, volunteers who give their time to the older neighbors in this program. Thank you!
In honor of the 30th anniversary of the ISOS program, consider making a $30 donation to ensure the program can continue for another 30 years. Please visit NHCO.org/donate