I’d like once again to shine a light on our own Northampton Neighbors. This is a non-profit with a warm heart, able to provide free services to those of us who are elderly and in need of those services which allow us to remain in our homes. Many of us live alone and cherish the idea of calling and finding a need fulfilled. While I don’t speak for our organization, I do have some thoughts because I have received services, I am also a volunteer.
I like other volunteers, find ourselves receiving so much more than our gift of time. I and others have had the pleasure of calling many of our neighbors, and our members just really like and appreciate the kindness of the volunteers. Volunteers who either take them shopping, to medical appointments, change light bulbs and batteries in smoke detectors, or fulfill a different need or project. The response is “this person was so kind and considerate, I felt really good while I was out.” Some of our members have started small groups around a subject near and dear or a need such as our solo aging group. Our leadership has connected with and partnered with local businesses, giving us opportunities within the community to bring our volunteers into fun events.
We reach out and communicate with our members through calls, home visits, post cards, and our listserve, which reaches out to members with needed resources and sometimes a heads up to remind or enlighten. Remember all of this is free. This is possible because of donations. Some come from businesses, members, family members and some who know they might someday need services themselves. Some donate just because they support what we do.
If you want to join NN it’s just a phone call to us or on our website to complete an application, which will be all you need to become a member. Call 413-341-0160, or go online to info@northamptonneighbors.org. We’d love to hear from you. Both will allow you to ask for services as well.
Sharon Martula
Florence