St. Luke's Community Services

St. Luke’s Community Services is very pleased to announce that we have been awarded a $2,500 grant for 2015 in support of our Volunteer Services Programs by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County made possible by the Ann T. D’Addario Family Foundation Fund and Herb and Ellen Patterson Memorial Fund.

This one year grant award will specifically support our Friendly Volunteer Programs (Visitors & Grocery Shoppers) including our VETS4VETS Program to continue to provide for the targeted needs of older adults and veterans living in Middlesex County to help them remain in the community, independent and enjoy a good quality of life.

The Community Foundation of Middlesex County is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for the people of the County, now and in the future, by developing endowments, making grants that have impact and assisting donors in meeting their philanthropic objectives. Since its founding in 1997, the Community Foundation has awarded 1,100 grants totaling over $3.3 million for the arts, cultural and heritage programs, educational activities, environmental improvements and for health and human services.

The CFMC grant will help St. Luke’s continue to make a positive impact in our local communities by supporting volunteers like David Manfredi and clients like Charles Clark.
Left to Right: Charles Clark & David Manfredi)

Charles Clark, a client of the St. Luke’s Community Services VETS4VETS program since 2011, requested transportation to a medical appointment for removal of a cataract in June of 2014. With the help of David Manfredi, using one of our three donated VETS4VETS vehicles, Charles was able to get the eye surgery he needed. Charles now has 20/20 vision. Charles and his wife, Diane, also utilize St. Luke’s “Friendly Grocery Shopper” program from time to time. This program provides volunteer grocery shoppers to individuals age 65+, who may not have anyone close by, or are unable to drive. Clients can either provide the volunteer a detailed list for grocery shopping, or accompany them to the store, helping them with their shopping (again, as long as they are self-mobile and self-transferring). The Clarks have used this service in the past, Mr. Clark one time following a significant health issue, and are both now using the Friendly Grocery Shopper program again due to Mrs. Clark currently undergoing treatment for her own health issue making it difficult for either of them to get to a local store. Before starting treatment, Mrs. Clark called St. Luke’s explaining her situation and soon provided with a Friendly Grocery Shopper.

“St. Luke’s is a wonderful organization. I don’t know what we would do without them”, Charles says. “These people are ‘heaven sent’”.

David Manfredi has been volunteering for St. Luke’s since 2012 under the VETS4VETS
transportation program which provides door to door transportation for veterans residing in Middlesex County to out-of-area medical appointments. Veterans must be self-mobile and self-transferring, but there is no age restriction. Also unique to VETS4VETS, volunteers who serve under this program must be veterans themselves or have an immediate family member who is a vet. Having this connection enables the VETS4VETS clients and volunteers to better relate and build lasting friendships.

Both David and Charles both happen to be veterans from the Vietnam Era, which is one reason they have connected well and built a close rapport. St. Luke’s is always looking to recruit more volunteers just like David to help older adults in need just like the Clarks.

So, on behalf of all our staff, volunteers and clients at St. Luke’s, thank you

Community Foundation of Middlesex County for helping provide for the resources needed to sustain our worthy volunteer efforts.
From Eric S. Rodko, LMSW, Executive Director

[Volunteer information sessions are trainings are offered throughout the year and at convenient times and locations. Volunteers may commit to as little as a few hours a month. For more information on St. Luke’s Community Services volunteer programs (VETS4VETS, Friendly Grocery Shopper and Friendly Visitor) please contact St. Luke’s Community Services at 860-347-5661 or check out our website at www.stlukeshome.org

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