MCCC Connection - Fall 2009
Content
THE CONNECTION
Published by Mid-Cities Care Corps (MCCC)
www.midcitiescarecorps.org
Mid-Cities Care Corps
Fall 2009
MID-CITIES CARE CORPS VOLUNTEER HONORED WITH THE LONE STAR LEGEND AWARD
The North Texas Volunteer with other individuals in TarCenter (NTVC) held their anrant county for their legendary nual Lone Star Salute at the and kindred volunteer spirit. Jo Stampede Room in the StockAnn is a valued MCCC volunyard’s Station on September 16. teer worthy of the recognition The Lone Star Salute celebrates as a 2009 Lone Star Salute volunteerism in Tarrant CounHonoree! ty. Mid-Cities Care Corps was MCCC was also recognized recognized and honored in two during the celebration for our ways during this celebration participation in the 2009 North attended by representatives Texas Volunteer Challenge. Alfrom 38 non-profit organizacon Laboratories was recogtions and businesses supportnized as the corporation with ing this effort from throughout the most employee volunteer the area. participants from the Jo Ann Pankey received the Metroplex. The Alcon corpo2009 Lone Star Legend Award rate team participated in the for her service to Mid-Cities MCCC project on July 11, Care Corps (MCCC). For nine JO ANN ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM MIKE SNYDER painting Ms. Ione’s home and years Jo Ann has been the Tuesday voice for tending to extensive hedge trimming on her properMCCC. Jo Ann began as a volunteer driver and latty. Ms. Tamara, Manager of Community Involveer became the office volunteer responsible for anment at Alcon, shared that all the Alcon employees swering client calls for rides and scheduling MCCC who participated at the MCCC site were very volunteers for drives. Her gentle spirit is always on touched by the experience and Alcon is committed display as she talks with the clients, and her efficiento working with MCCC again on the May 15, 2010 cy coordinating transportation through volunteers challenge. Thanks to all the friends of MCCC who is incredible. Jo Ann’s dedication and commitment have contributed to the mission over the years. The for volunteerism at MCCC is exemplary. MCCC is legacy of MCCC continues to grow within the nonthrilled to have a caring volunteer honored along profit community in our serving area!
MCCC REACHES NEW HEIGHTS: 100/1000
Mid-Cities Care Corps reached two significant highlights in August!! We completed 103 Helping Hands Work Orders and 1008 Drives year-to-date!! We are very grateful to all our caring volunteers who give their time and talents to enable MCCC to reach this milestone so early in the year. Mid-Cities Care Corps is out in the community attending Health Fairs and Mission Fairs, spreading the word about our services to senior neighbors, and seeking new volunteers. We ask that you keep your eyes and ears open in your community for potential needs, perhaps a senior neighbor who needs transportation for a medical appointment or could use a helping hand with the leaves, general yard maintenance, or washing windows. As the population of Northeast Tarrant County continues to age, Mid-Cities Care Corps will be there for our senior neighbors providing our core service of transportation and “helping hands” services to enable our senior neighbors to stay independent and in their homes as long as possible. Thanks again to our volunteers for helping us reach new heights!!
Page 2
THE CONNECTION
BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE CONNECTION
The Mid-Cities Care Corps (MCCC) quarterly CONNECTION publication is focused on highlighting happenings at MCCC. While national media is experiencing market share declines with the advent of the electronic age, the MCCC newsletter distribution continues to grow in response to an audience that still welcomes information in print. Another dividend of the quarterly CONNCECTION publication is the behind the scenes volunteer time shared with supporters who help collate, fold, and apply mailing labels for distribution of over 1,000 copies each mailing. As Darlene shared when the process was completed at a recent session, “Wait a minute, I have more stories to tell”. Thanks to all the MCCC supporters who volunteer time to compile the newsletter. Please call the office if you would like to be included on the list of folks contacted when we go to press. Be assured by volunteering you will know, as the infamous saying of Paul Harvey, “the rest of the story”.
HOLIDAY BASKETS: A MCCC TRADITION CONTINUES
One of the most cherished traditions of MCCC is the Holiday Basket Program. MCCC has been matching Senior Neighbors with churches, civic groups and individual families for over 10 years. Holiday Baskets provide some Christmas Spirit at an often lonely time of year for seniors. The Holiday Basket recipients receive a selection of groceries and goodies that allow them to prepare a special dinner, and the Holiday Basket providers have the joy of being able to bring cheer to someone in need, an opportunity to share some special holiday memories, and a hug as well. The Holiday Basket request form has been included in this newsletter (to senior neighbor mailing list only). We ask that our Senior Neighbors who are in need of a basket fill out the form and return it to us by October 31. If your church or group would like to provide and deliver baskets, contact our office (817-282-0531), and we will get you on our list. We also welcome individuals and families to this Christmas outreach. We also partner with The Wellington Retirement Community in North Richland Hills for their “Sugar Plum Christmas” tree display. Visitors to The Wellington are able to view an array of fully decorated trees and vote for their favorite tree by placing a gift for the “young at heart” under that tree. MCCC coordinates the distribution of gifts to Senior Neighbors on Christmas morning. The trees are sold via a silent auction with proceeds going to MCCC programs. The Wellington invites local businesses to explore donating a fully decorated tree by calling Beverly Brewer, Marketing Manager at 817-577-0226. Consider stopping by The Wellington to get the holiday spirit and support the cause. MCCC hopes you will share the Spirit of Christmas with our Senior Neighbors this year.
Mid-Cities Care Corps
Page 3
DIRECTOR’S MUSINGS:
The expectation I share with every prospective new volunteer is once you become a MCCC volunteer you will have a story to share. The genuine expressions of appreciation and a thank you from a senior are the simple but priceless rewards for volunteering with MCCC. This observation hit home for me in a very heartrending way September 16th. I arrived at the office and was advised of a voice message from a neighbor of Juanita Storey informing us that Juanita had passed away. Juanita, like so many of the MCCC clients, had a unique personality, a feisty independent West Texas persona that was so engaging to me. I’m certain volunteers of MCCC understand this sentiment, whether it was Juanita or the personality of another senor neighbor MCCC calls clients. Going the “extra mile” was a natural reaction to Juanita’s requests for assistance. The beauty is that I and many MCCC volunteers have a “Storey” of how Juanita touched our lives. Upon reflection, the service provided always started out as an outreach to assist a senior neighbor in need, but with Juanita it always ended up being an entertaining and rewarding memory to be cherished for a lifetime! The mission of MCCC is “to preserve the independence of senior neighbors in N.E. Tarrant County”. The reward IS the “Storey” and the lasting memories that touch our lives through volunteering. Blessings,
Duane E. Buuck
Helping Hands — Come in all Sizes & Ages
A volunteer group from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (SEAS) Catholic Church demonstrated that “helping hands” come in all sizes and ages. This group of six families, a bible study group, wanted an outreach opportunity for all the family members to experience and address needs in the community. David, a father in the group, volunteered to explore such opportunities and contacted Mid-Cities Care Corps (MCCC). MCCC provided a client project that the group tackled on September 27th. What a hoot to see the “expressions” on the 14 youngsters of the families as they tended to the yard clean-up and painting the home, guided and encouraged by their parents. Everyone pitched in to make a real difference! When one of the kids was asked the best experience of the day, he paused to reflect and shared “being here today”! The objective of the MCCC Helping Hands program is to tend to minor home maintenance and repairs for our senior neighbors to enable them to stay in their home as long as possible. This program is an exciting MCCC outreach that has expanded in 2009 because of the interest and support of faith based groups and friends in the area. Please be an ambassador for MCCC by: Being the eyes and ears for such senior neighbor needs in the community Encouraging your friends, your church family or civic organization to become MCCC Helping Hands volunteers Thanks to the members of SEAS for demonstrating the value of “helping hands” of all sizes when combined with a spirit to focus on needs in our community.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 2009-10
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS Last Day for Drives 2009: November 25-November 29 DECEMBER 18
Dec. 21 & Dec. 22 Dec. 23, 2009-Jan.1, 2010 January 4, 2010 Mid-Cities Care Corps Office Open for Calls: Mid-Cities Care Corps Office Closed: Mid-Cities Care Corps Office Open for Calls:
First Day for Drives 2010:
Please be aware of the Holiday Schedule as you make your appointments for year end. Drives for Jan. 6th-9th, 2010 need to be made by Dec. 18.
817-282-0531 Hurst, TX 76054 745 W. Pipeline Road Mid-Cites Care Corps
Non– Profit Organization U. S. Postage Paid Permit No. 9
JANUARY 6
Published by Mid-Cities Care Corps (MCCC)
www.midcitiescarecorps.org
Mid-Cities Care Corps
Fall 2009
MID-CITIES CARE CORPS VOLUNTEER HONORED WITH THE LONE STAR LEGEND AWARD
The North Texas Volunteer with other individuals in TarCenter (NTVC) held their anrant county for their legendary nual Lone Star Salute at the and kindred volunteer spirit. Jo Stampede Room in the StockAnn is a valued MCCC volunyard’s Station on September 16. teer worthy of the recognition The Lone Star Salute celebrates as a 2009 Lone Star Salute volunteerism in Tarrant CounHonoree! ty. Mid-Cities Care Corps was MCCC was also recognized recognized and honored in two during the celebration for our ways during this celebration participation in the 2009 North attended by representatives Texas Volunteer Challenge. Alfrom 38 non-profit organizacon Laboratories was recogtions and businesses supportnized as the corporation with ing this effort from throughout the most employee volunteer the area. participants from the Jo Ann Pankey received the Metroplex. The Alcon corpo2009 Lone Star Legend Award rate team participated in the for her service to Mid-Cities MCCC project on July 11, Care Corps (MCCC). For nine JO ANN ACCEPTS THE AWARD FROM MIKE SNYDER painting Ms. Ione’s home and years Jo Ann has been the Tuesday voice for tending to extensive hedge trimming on her properMCCC. Jo Ann began as a volunteer driver and latty. Ms. Tamara, Manager of Community Involveer became the office volunteer responsible for anment at Alcon, shared that all the Alcon employees swering client calls for rides and scheduling MCCC who participated at the MCCC site were very volunteers for drives. Her gentle spirit is always on touched by the experience and Alcon is committed display as she talks with the clients, and her efficiento working with MCCC again on the May 15, 2010 cy coordinating transportation through volunteers challenge. Thanks to all the friends of MCCC who is incredible. Jo Ann’s dedication and commitment have contributed to the mission over the years. The for volunteerism at MCCC is exemplary. MCCC is legacy of MCCC continues to grow within the nonthrilled to have a caring volunteer honored along profit community in our serving area!
MCCC REACHES NEW HEIGHTS: 100/1000
Mid-Cities Care Corps reached two significant highlights in August!! We completed 103 Helping Hands Work Orders and 1008 Drives year-to-date!! We are very grateful to all our caring volunteers who give their time and talents to enable MCCC to reach this milestone so early in the year. Mid-Cities Care Corps is out in the community attending Health Fairs and Mission Fairs, spreading the word about our services to senior neighbors, and seeking new volunteers. We ask that you keep your eyes and ears open in your community for potential needs, perhaps a senior neighbor who needs transportation for a medical appointment or could use a helping hand with the leaves, general yard maintenance, or washing windows. As the population of Northeast Tarrant County continues to age, Mid-Cities Care Corps will be there for our senior neighbors providing our core service of transportation and “helping hands” services to enable our senior neighbors to stay independent and in their homes as long as possible. Thanks again to our volunteers for helping us reach new heights!!
Page 2
THE CONNECTION
BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE CONNECTION
The Mid-Cities Care Corps (MCCC) quarterly CONNECTION publication is focused on highlighting happenings at MCCC. While national media is experiencing market share declines with the advent of the electronic age, the MCCC newsletter distribution continues to grow in response to an audience that still welcomes information in print. Another dividend of the quarterly CONNCECTION publication is the behind the scenes volunteer time shared with supporters who help collate, fold, and apply mailing labels for distribution of over 1,000 copies each mailing. As Darlene shared when the process was completed at a recent session, “Wait a minute, I have more stories to tell”. Thanks to all the MCCC supporters who volunteer time to compile the newsletter. Please call the office if you would like to be included on the list of folks contacted when we go to press. Be assured by volunteering you will know, as the infamous saying of Paul Harvey, “the rest of the story”.
HOLIDAY BASKETS: A MCCC TRADITION CONTINUES
One of the most cherished traditions of MCCC is the Holiday Basket Program. MCCC has been matching Senior Neighbors with churches, civic groups and individual families for over 10 years. Holiday Baskets provide some Christmas Spirit at an often lonely time of year for seniors. The Holiday Basket recipients receive a selection of groceries and goodies that allow them to prepare a special dinner, and the Holiday Basket providers have the joy of being able to bring cheer to someone in need, an opportunity to share some special holiday memories, and a hug as well. The Holiday Basket request form has been included in this newsletter (to senior neighbor mailing list only). We ask that our Senior Neighbors who are in need of a basket fill out the form and return it to us by October 31. If your church or group would like to provide and deliver baskets, contact our office (817-282-0531), and we will get you on our list. We also welcome individuals and families to this Christmas outreach. We also partner with The Wellington Retirement Community in North Richland Hills for their “Sugar Plum Christmas” tree display. Visitors to The Wellington are able to view an array of fully decorated trees and vote for their favorite tree by placing a gift for the “young at heart” under that tree. MCCC coordinates the distribution of gifts to Senior Neighbors on Christmas morning. The trees are sold via a silent auction with proceeds going to MCCC programs. The Wellington invites local businesses to explore donating a fully decorated tree by calling Beverly Brewer, Marketing Manager at 817-577-0226. Consider stopping by The Wellington to get the holiday spirit and support the cause. MCCC hopes you will share the Spirit of Christmas with our Senior Neighbors this year.
Mid-Cities Care Corps
Page 3
DIRECTOR’S MUSINGS:
The expectation I share with every prospective new volunteer is once you become a MCCC volunteer you will have a story to share. The genuine expressions of appreciation and a thank you from a senior are the simple but priceless rewards for volunteering with MCCC. This observation hit home for me in a very heartrending way September 16th. I arrived at the office and was advised of a voice message from a neighbor of Juanita Storey informing us that Juanita had passed away. Juanita, like so many of the MCCC clients, had a unique personality, a feisty independent West Texas persona that was so engaging to me. I’m certain volunteers of MCCC understand this sentiment, whether it was Juanita or the personality of another senor neighbor MCCC calls clients. Going the “extra mile” was a natural reaction to Juanita’s requests for assistance. The beauty is that I and many MCCC volunteers have a “Storey” of how Juanita touched our lives. Upon reflection, the service provided always started out as an outreach to assist a senior neighbor in need, but with Juanita it always ended up being an entertaining and rewarding memory to be cherished for a lifetime! The mission of MCCC is “to preserve the independence of senior neighbors in N.E. Tarrant County”. The reward IS the “Storey” and the lasting memories that touch our lives through volunteering. Blessings,
Duane E. Buuck
Helping Hands — Come in all Sizes & Ages
A volunteer group from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (SEAS) Catholic Church demonstrated that “helping hands” come in all sizes and ages. This group of six families, a bible study group, wanted an outreach opportunity for all the family members to experience and address needs in the community. David, a father in the group, volunteered to explore such opportunities and contacted Mid-Cities Care Corps (MCCC). MCCC provided a client project that the group tackled on September 27th. What a hoot to see the “expressions” on the 14 youngsters of the families as they tended to the yard clean-up and painting the home, guided and encouraged by their parents. Everyone pitched in to make a real difference! When one of the kids was asked the best experience of the day, he paused to reflect and shared “being here today”! The objective of the MCCC Helping Hands program is to tend to minor home maintenance and repairs for our senior neighbors to enable them to stay in their home as long as possible. This program is an exciting MCCC outreach that has expanded in 2009 because of the interest and support of faith based groups and friends in the area. Please be an ambassador for MCCC by: Being the eyes and ears for such senior neighbor needs in the community Encouraging your friends, your church family or civic organization to become MCCC Helping Hands volunteers Thanks to the members of SEAS for demonstrating the value of “helping hands” of all sizes when combined with a spirit to focus on needs in our community.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 2009-10
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS Last Day for Drives 2009: November 25-November 29 DECEMBER 18
Dec. 21 & Dec. 22 Dec. 23, 2009-Jan.1, 2010 January 4, 2010 Mid-Cities Care Corps Office Open for Calls: Mid-Cities Care Corps Office Closed: Mid-Cities Care Corps Office Open for Calls:
First Day for Drives 2010:
Please be aware of the Holiday Schedule as you make your appointments for year end. Drives for Jan. 6th-9th, 2010 need to be made by Dec. 18.
817-282-0531 Hurst, TX 76054 745 W. Pipeline Road Mid-Cites Care Corps
Non– Profit Organization U. S. Postage Paid Permit No. 9
JANUARY 6
