Interfaith Caregivers gets new coordinator of youth services
Kayla J. Brown became interested in the new position of coordinator of youth services for Interfaith Caregivers of Fayette, Inc. because she saw what the agency could offer youths. “What I hope is that they learn more about themselves from others, build self-esteem and learn more about their faith by putting it into action,’ said Brown of Perryopolis, who assumed the new role last month.
“It’s a learning experience,’ she continued. “They learn lessons they can use later in life.’
Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, based in Uniontown, offers a network of trained volunteers who provide supportive services and outreach to the elderly throughout Fayette County. Supported by a variety of local congregations, organizations – including the United Way – businesses and individuals as well as foundations, Interfaith provides services such as transportation, visitation and help with home repairs at no charge to those receiving the services.
Ten years old, Interfaith will host a volunteer recognition dinner on Sept. 9 at Third Presbyterian Church in Uniontown to honor those contribute to the organization. Interfaith is affiliated with Faith in Action, a national movement for which actress Della Reese of “Touched by an Angel’ acts as spokeswoman.
Interfaith officials are announcing Brown’s appointment in this position that they hope will help will provide the agency with more youth volunteers.
“We have, for the last five years, as a board of directors been looking for opportunities to expand our volunteer base and we felt we needed to make a connection of young people related to the elderly,’ said the Rev. Dr. John K. Sharp, president of the board. “We see this as an opportunity for both age groups. We finally found something to make this happen for us in Kayla.’
“She has a great passion for this ministry,’ said Carol J. Ashton, executive director of Interfaith. “She’s an extraordinary bright young person.’
Brown is a senior at Penn State University, Fayette Campus, where she is majoring in human development and family studies. She will graduate in December.
In her new position, Brown will be working with area church groups and school youth service clubs to recruit volunteers for a variety of tasks that will help seniors living in their own homes.
The agency explained in a press release: “It is anticipated that this initiative will help youths to identify their gifts and talents and be a training ground for building leadership skills and character evaluations. In addition, this youth initiative will help to develop relationships between young and old. Working together and making a difference in the community will be a collaborative effort designed to fill the gap in much-needed home supportive services.’
Since starting her new job last month, Brown has been compiling a database of churches and organizations that work with youths throughout Fayette County. She is contacting 117 churches and is interested in such organizations as youth groups, school clubs and Scouts.
Brown will work with youths from elementary school through young adult college students. She will visit organizations that request her to come and speak and explain how youths can become involved.
“She’ll go anywhere to speak or meet with someone about what their vision is, too,’ said Ashton.
“We want to work with their goals,’ noted Brown.
There are a variety of opportunities for youths to help senior citizens, including providing transportation, grocery shopping, respite for caregivers, minor home repairs, visiting, telephone reassurance, laundry, banking and yard work. Even going into homes to change batteries in smoke detectors twice a year helps many people who can’t climb to change the batteries themselves.
“Everyone has a talent,’ said Ashton. “We help them identify it and place it in the mission field.’
In addition, Interfaith has some organized activities planned for the near future. Officials are organizing a nursing home visit at Cherry Tree in Uniontown on July 21 and some college students will be cleaning a highway on July 24.
The agency’s June 2003 newsletter recently reported, “In 2002, Interfaith volunteers contributed nearly 15,000 hours of service to help older Fayette County neighbors in need. That dedication continues in the first part of 2003 and we are on track to exceed last year’s volunteer hours. Through the first five months of his year, IVCF volunteers have donated 7,817 hours of service or an average of 1,563 a month. In addition, we are filling an average of 98 requests for assistance each month.’
Ashton and Dr. Sharp estimated Interfaith has about 300 volunteers. Youth volunteers have been small in number but have made a significant mark on the organization.
In fact, Ashton noted that retired volunteers who take their grandchildren with them as they provide services to the elderly often bring a lot of joy to the care receivers. The office has heard from many care receivers who are delighted with the children’s visits.
Several youth groups have also decorated lunch bags that are used to deliver Meals on Wheels.
And Ashton also mentioned a letter that Interfaith received from an elderly woman in New Salem for whom a youth group from Community United Methodist Church of Evans Manor built a ramp.
“She wrote a wonderful letter of thanks. They all worked together. Everyone was doing something. They were all congenial. She was so impressed by their willingness to do this,’ said Ashton.
But officials would like to see the role of youths in the organization expand, and there is no minimum or maximum number of hours that must be volunteered.
“We work with everyone,’ said Ashton. “It’s whatever you’re willing to do. We want you to have a good experience so you want to do it.’
Dr. Sharp also noted that Interfaith provides training for volunteers and liability insurance at no cost to the volunteers.
He also mentioned the friendships that develop between the volunteers and the care receivers.
“That’s what keeps the volunteers in the organization,’ Dr. Sharp said.
As an example, Ashton shared a letter the agency recently received from volunteer Roseann Bowser. It read, in part:
“A few years ago Carol came to our church to explain Interfaith Caregivers to our congregation. It seemed like a perfect fit for me. I was blessed to be paired up with Anna, an 80-something delight of a lady. Our visits together were so rewarding whether it be a trip to the doctor’s office or a quick shopping trip to the local grocery store. Anna never complained about anything and always had a smile on her face when she came out of her house to greet me. Anna passed away recently and I miss her so much. I just wanted to thank IVCF for bringing us together. I know that Anna is surely in heaven now and pray that she is watching over all of us.’
Brown believes there are many youths for whom Interfaith would be a good experience.
“Our vision here,’ she said, “is found in Peter 4:10: that we’re all blessed with talent and should use it for the good of God.’
Brown can be reached by calling Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers at 724-438-0709.