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Summer 2024 Newsletter
Dear Volunteers,
We hope this message finds you enjoying the vibrant spirit of summer! As the temperature remains high throughout the region, please stay cool and catch a break by reading our Summer 2024 Newsletter.
In this newsletter, we are proud to announce the launch of the Friendly Visitor Program, a wonderful addition to our regular meal delivery service. The program aims to combat loneliness by providing extra sources of connection between meal participants and volunteers. This summer newsletter introduces you to Wayka Cespedes, the new Friendly Visits Volunteer Coordinator. We also want to extend a heartfelt welcome to our summer dietary intern, Christopher Digricoli. Finally, read on to hear how the quick thinking of a longtime MOWGNB volunteer helped a client in need.
As always, we are tremendously grateful for the ongoing dedication of all of our wonderful staff and volunteers. Your hard work makes it possible to continue to serve our community. We wish you all a wonderful rest of summer filled with joy and plenty of memorable moments! Whether you’re enjoying a picnic in the park, a refreshing dip in the pool, or simply savoring the summer days, we hope you find time to relax and soak up the joys of the season.
Meet Wayka Cespedes: An Interview with MOWGNB’s New Friendly Visits Volunteer Coordinator
Meet Wayka Cespedes, the new Friendly Visits Volunteer Coordinator at MOWGNB. MOWGNB is proud to announce the launch of the Friendly Visitor Program, which offers participants the opportunity to connect with volunteers outside of the standard meal delivery service. Friendly Visits will take place in person or by phone on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, in an effort to combat the loneliness and social isolation facing homebound seniors.
Introducing Christopher Digricoli, MOWGNB’s Summer Dietary Intern
Christopher Digricoli is the Meals on Wheels in Greater New Brunswick Summer Dietary Intern.
He volunteers three days a week at Meals on Wheels. His work includes menu selections, meal prep, and delivering meals as needed.
Meals on Wheels Is More Than A Meal: Quick Action By Longtime MOWGNB Volunteer Helen Burd Helps A Client During A Medical Emergency
| Helen Burd, a longtime MOWGNB volunteer, wrote about her recent quick thinking and heroic actions in managing the medical emergency of a MOWGNB client, Mr. C. Her story demonstrates how our volunteers deliver more than just a meal, time and time again. “When I arrived at Mr. C’s basement apartment inner door (the outside door was propped open with a cement block), I knocked loud several times before hearing any movement or noise. Eventually there was a repetitive moan coming closer and closer to the door. Mr. C had crawled from some distant room to the door and did manage to turn the knob a bit, and I then turned it to open. At that point, Mr. C was in fetal position and not really responsive to me. Eventually he nodded his head yes that I should call for help. I did. I called the MOWGNB office. Monica told me to call Emergency Services, and then Executive Director Shareka came on line and said she was calling first aid squad. She asked for me to stay with Mr. C until assistance arrived. I did. Policewoman Dean arrived directly, and within minutes, so did the the EMTs. The policewoman excused me and said they were transporting him to an emergency room. I am so proud to still volunteer for MOW and to experience such professional office procedures. I was glad that I represented an organization that cares for its clients, provides help for the helpless, and values all for his/her humanity. Thank you MOW staff!” Thank you, Helen Burd! We are proud to have such incredible volunteers! |
What’s New at MOWGNB?
The launch of the Friendly Visitor Program!
HOW DOES THE FRIENDLY VISITOR PROGRAM HELP OUR SENIORS?
Friendly Visitor works to provide much-needed social engagement to our homebound seniors and disabled clients. Seniors will receive valuable social interactions through one or more of the following services – Friendly Visits, Friendly Calls, and Friendly Mail.
Through Friendly Visits, seniors engage in a variety of positive and enriching in-person social activities like playing board or card games, reading their favorite books, watching a good tv show or just having a great conversation.
Housekeeping Reminders for Volunteers
Please do not leave meals at the client’s door.
Meals on Wheels is more than a meal.
It’s also a safety check!