THE CALEB CORNER

May 2002

By Julie Hall, Volunteer Coordinator

Greetings from The Caleb Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Program, better known as, The Caleb Group. The heartfelt mission of The Caleb Group is to enhance the independent living for the elderly (age 60+), infirm and homebound by relieving isolation and assisting with friendly visits, care and supportive services through a network of volunteers and the fostering of caring communities. The current towns that we serve are: Bethlehem, Dalton, Groveton, Jefferson, Lancaster, Littleton, Twin Mountain, and Whitefield.

The Caleb Group is a non-profit organization which receives it funding through grants, town appropriations, an annual appeal, donations, and fund raisers – all these funds enables our program to continue this free and care-filled program. Without the help that The Caleb Group offers, many seniors would have to leave their home.

Anyone can request assistance for a friend, family member, or neighbor. The Caleb Office helps assess solutions that link the in-need person with existing services and benefits including volunteer assistance.

Volunteer caregivers are carefully trained to assist the elderly in ways such as: errands, friendly visits, shopping, light housekeeping, reading and writing, telephone reassurance, business tasks, transportation and resolving other needs.

Caleb volunteers are neighbors helping neighbors through their congregations and communities. Our volunteers are people with a genuine concern for older adults. These men, women and young adults are trained to give non-medical support to those homebound. Last year, Caleb volunteers donated over 4,400 hours and 32,847 miles!

The Caleb Group currently has over 100 volunteers, and assists over 200 care-receivers. This month, we welcome two new volunteers: Liz LaPlante of Lancaster, and Russell Magoon of Littleton.

A concert was held on April 14 at the Congregational United Church of Christ, in Lancaster to raise funds for the program. This was the 6^th Annual Caleb Concert, and was directed by Donna Brewster of Lancaster. Frank Caruso, of Twin Mountain, was the assistant director. Participants in the concert were church choirs from: Christ United Methodist, Lancaster; Trinity United Methodist, Whitefield; St. Patrick’s and St. Matthew’s Catholic churches, of Twin Mountain and Whitefield; and the Congregational United Church of Christ, of Lancaster. Soloists were: Donna Brewster, Shirley Perregaux, Caleb Shumaker, Claire Sanders, and Barb Todd all of Lancaster, and Tori Caruso of Twin Mountain. Barbara Robarts of Lancaster, and Joyce Roy, of Guildhall were piano and organ accompanists. Roy Brewster, of Lancaster, played flute and clarinet. Rev. David Pendleton, of the Congregational United Church of Christ, gave the welcome, opening prayer, and benediction. The concert raised $533.00.

The Community Baptist Church, Whitefield, sponsored a Spaghetti Supper on April 20, with all donations given to The Caleb Group. Pastor Cliff Vendt, and his many helpers served a delicious spaghetti dinner to over 80 people. The donations raised were $342.11.

The Caleb Group appreciates everyone who participated in these two fund-raisers, with special thanks to the Congregational United Church of Christ for hosting this year’s concert, and the Community Baptist Church for sponsoring the spaghetti supper. The monies raised will be put to good use to help elders in the communities that we serve.

The Caleb Group is ALWAYS looking for volunteers to join our organization. There are many opportunities available, and consideration of the volunteers’ busy schedule is taken into consideration when arranging appointments. For more information about being assisted, volunteering, or contributing, please contact The Caleb Group at 837-9179 or stop by the office, which is located at Highland House, 30 Highland Street in Whitefield.