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|  LAIC Volunteers build ramp in Crosby - photo submitted | LIAC Volunteers Help Elderly, While Saving County Critical FundsAn unheralded network of Crow Wing County volunteers is continuing its work to serve the county’s elderly with an eye toward their safety, comfort and their ability to live independently. Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers has been around for almost eight yearssince its creation as part of Faith In Action, a national group of charitable organizations foundedby the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "Faith In Action is still alive and well in Minnesota", says Caregivers Director Tim McCarthy, "but much of the national funding and federal grant activity has fallen off. We depend more than ever on local donations." Last year the group, comprised of over 400 volunteers drawn largely from Crow Wing County’s faith community, logged over 75,000 miles transporting seniors to medical appointments, shopping and errands. They have also recently completed their 250th wheelchair ramp. "We get calls from hospitals, social services, churches and, often, the grown children of elderly parents who have difficulty accessing their own homes," said McCarthy. "Because of the willingness and the skill levels of our volunteers, we can respond to a need quickly, and without any government red tape, applications or complications. We just get the job done." One afternoon in November McCarthy received a phone call from St. Joseph’s in Brainerd about a Merrifield couple who required a ramp to get out of their home and to the hospital twice daily for special treatments. "She was wheelchair bound, both of them in their 70’s, and he had to bounce her up and down the stairs coming and going to get her critical treatments twice a day," said McCarthy. The ramp was built and in use within 24 hours. "We can’t always respond that quickly, but we can’t afford to wait in situations like that." Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers focuses on the needs of poor, disabled and isolated elderly of the county, receiving an average of 100 calls for help each month. Their services are performed at no charge with labor and materials either contributed or purchased locally by the organization. Often the work allows the elderly to remain living in their own homes. Estimates show that Crow Wing County is saved many thousands of dollars annually by the work of Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers. Social Services supervisor Susan Mezzenga says, "We consider ourselves blessed to have LAIC serving the needs of Crow Wing County residents." LAIC frequently checks on the safety and comfort of seniors, does minor repairs and occasional maintenance and offers companionship to the isolated elderly. If you know of a situation where they might be of service, Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers may be reached at (218) 820-7454 and via their web site at lakesareainterfaithcaregivers.org . The web site also provides a way to volunteer time with the organization and to provide financial support. Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization, so donations are tax deductible. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Northland Press | P.O. Box 145 | Outing, MN 56662 | (218) 692-5842 Email: news@northlandpress.com | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
