Volunteers sought to aid Wahkiakum seniors

Catholic Community Services is looking for volunteers of all ages in Wahkiakum County to help out local low income seniors and people with disabilities.

The organization was started in 1981, when senior services were cut in the State of Washington, according to Tina McCully, the program coordinator for volunteer services.

“A sister stepped up and told the church leaders that we already had offices in most of the counties in the state of Washington,” McCully said. “Catholic Community Services is on this side of the state, and on the eastern side it’s called Catholic Charities. We work together, it’s just two different archdioceses.”

The organization wants seniors to stay in their homes as long as possible, but they can’t do it without volunteers from the community.

Catholic Community Service doesn’t provide long term care, but they try to organize volunteers to help with other issues. Volunteers are needed to help Wahkiakum seniors with a myriad of services, including, but not limited to:

• Drive clients to medical appointments or the store,

• Housework,

• Minor car maintenance,

• Assistance with computers, phones, and other electronic devices,

• Yard work,

• Cut and deliver wood for heating,

• Transportation to social events, like meals or music in the park, and

• Assistance with pet care.

It might be something as simple as changing a light bulb, or putting grab bars in the bathroom. Or perhaps a client has lost mobility, and they need a ramp installed. Maybe they’ve gone to the hospital and need someone to tidy up at home, or they need a little help with meal preparation.

Volunteer drivers are reimbursed for their mileage. The organization will also pay for a defensive driving course and a passenger assistance course.

All volunteers are required to pass a background check.

“Catholic Community Services prides itself on being a positive part of the community,” McCully said, “we want to send out people that are reputable. We can all make a difference. It’s what we are doing, and it’s what we want to continue to do.”

McCully believes that people are already helping their neighbors in Wahkiakum County, but knowing when and what they are doing, and for how long, helps her count volunteer hours. The documentation helps state legislators make decisions about how to expend state money to help seniors and people with disabilities with a limited income.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact Tina McCully at 360-577-2200.