Newsletter - May 7, 2021
Creating a caring community for older adults in need
VVCC Welcomes New Program Manager
Amy ready to tackle big job

We are happy to announce Amy Nitchman has joined VVCC’s team as Program and Transportation Manager. Amy says she loves VVCC’s vision, mission, and values.
“VVCC is an organization which works to fill gaps in the heath care system and improves the quality of life for seniors. I am honored and excited to join such a talented and dedicated team in serving older adults in our community.”

Amy will manage Call Center and transportation operations and program services.
“My first focus is to support our fantastic team of volunteers and Call Center Specialists to ensure we continue to provide efficient services and improve our quality of care.”

Amy has five years’ experience as a caregiver and over 10 years in community health services. She completed her master’s degree in Health Education and Promotion in 2018. She is excited to put her skills in public health and administration to use in the community.
She also takes this opportunity to thank volunteers for their hard work and dedication to our neighbors.

“This past year was very difficult for everyone, but especially for our homebound seniors. Thank you for continuing to volunteer your time to help them—we could not do it without you!”
VVCC Thanks Retired Nurses for Volunteerism
Pictured L-R: Gabriel Kaufman, Mary Jane Thompson, Pam Schumacher, Jan Stilkey, Donna Chalmers, Liz Hardgrove, Helen Paravano, Ann Eller, Penny Mathieu, and Deb Rhodes.
Retired nurses help vaccinate homebound neighbors

In honor of National Nurses Week, VVCC celebrates the efforts of its dedicated team of volunteer nurses who reassured neighbors isolated during the pandemic and then helped them get vaccinated. VVCC Board Member Mary Jane Thompson, (2nd left) recently hosted a luncheon to recognize their efforts.

"The team started one year ago making phone calls to see if neighbors were okay, if they were scared, and if they were in need of food or medications," she said. "In one week the nurses called 900 neighbors. Many of the nurses kept their lists and continued phone calling throughout the year to make sure neighbors were still doing alright."

The nurses also volunteered to call neighbors to see if they needed help getting vaccinated. Some of them even helped with the in-home vaccinations.

"Our nurse volunteers dedicated their many years of expertise to ensure our homebound elderly throughout Sedona and the Verde Valley are safely vaccinated," said Executive Director Kent Ellsworth.

He adds over 400 homebound elderly are now vaccinated. "The courage of the nurses and in-home vaccination teams to take action has given piece of mind to our neighbors and their families. Kudos to their exemplary spirit of caring!"

Volunteer vaccination team members are: Richard Adams, Laura Bambush, Kathy Fischer, Paul Hanson, Liz Hardgrove, Guy Lamunyon RN, Penny Mathieu, Betty Morgan, Helen Paravano, Bruce Peek MD, Donna Ruhe, Spencer Schrandt, Pam Schumacher, Jan Stilkey, Mary Jane Thompson, Marilyn Warren, Joanne Adams, Rita Harding, Nancy True.
Neighbor Celebrates 100th Birthday
Bill, a VVCC neighbor, recently celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends. Bill said his secret to longevity is faith in God and eating chocolate. Needless to say he received a chocolate cake!
If you would like to brighten up the day for a neighbor in need please consider becoming a volunteer. Volunteer drivers are especially needed to transport neighbors to medical appointments, the grocery store, physical therapy, and other appointments. To volunteer call Amy Nitchman ator Visit our website for a list of volunteer opportunities.
Visit our website for the latest stories, events, Gala photos,
volunteer information/forms, and ways to donate.
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