LIFE ElderCare

I have worked for Eldercare for 2.5 years as a VIP Diver. It is the most rewarding job I have had in my career and my first volunteer job. I get so much back from meeting the seniors and hearing about their life experiences. Every one of them is so grateful for the program. They tell me how hard it is not to be able to drive. Para Transit makes you wait a long time and it is too hard on then. Taxis never show up. I can set my own schedule and I plan on continuing until I can no longer drive myself. Eldercare is organized and they have made it easy for us drivers to view their website and sign up for rid

LIFE ElderCare is a gem in our community. I have been working with this organization for the past 4 years and continue to be impressed with the staff and volunteers. They love what they do and it shows in the way they treat each other, and most importantly, the older people who rely on LIFE ElderCare for meals, transportation, a weekly visit, and home safety assistance. If you are looking to donate your time and volunteer in a meaningful and fun way, I highly recommend LIFE. If you are looking to donate your money in a meaningful way, I highly recommend LIFE.

In my work, I interact with quite a few non-profit organizations in Fremont and the greater SF Bay Area, so see quite a lot of "behind-the-scenes" activity. It is a pleasure partnering with the LEC team in their marketing efforts -- the Executive Director, staff, and Board are all committed to serving our community in the best way possible. Their professionalism, enthusiasm, attention to detail, and communication skills all go a long way toward making the organization as efficient as possible, with the greatest focus on delivering much-needed services, to those who benefit most from them. In comparison to other organizations, I really feel this is one of the best in our community, with a long-standing track record of commitment to excellence and true service of value.

I started with Life Eldercare about 13 years ago as a Friendly Visitor and am now on my 6th senior, losing them is heart breaking but we must think of them as a great gift for only a short time. I was asked to join the Board and was deeply honored. I is our job to make sure Life Eldercare survives into the future. It is our goal to keep seniors in their own homes for as long as possible.

I am a working single-parent mom and got involved in delivered meals for the Fremont seniors and disadvantaged families for the last two years. Every friday I go I am inspired by the people involved in the work as I do. The coordinations that are involved in getting the meals ready to each needed invidual from different pools of volunteers on a daily basis seems tedious and complex, yet when I get that list of homes to deliver, it all worked out -- which renal meal goes to whom, which diet meal to the diabetics etc -- all nicely labeled and coded. Specific notes about each delivery is noted so drives could find the house or deliver meal as requested by the receiver. The ease of delivery and happy clients are a result of this hard working crew behind the scene for ensure each meal is delivered to the door hot and ready for the needed family. We drives also get periodic quizes and review on safety of food handling, plus cookies for appreciation. Every time I go I see wonderful and smiling volunteers efficiently getting the tubs of meals to their car. It just makes my friday bright knowing I have joined a group of people who understand their value in our community. Also, hats off to Barbara and Tammy and Bob, being there to make the delivery process seamless. Thank you, team!

I love being a driver for Life Eldercare's VIP Rides Program. II started volunteering after I lost my job in 2011 and had time to help out. It is so important for our elders to maintain as much independence as possible so they don't feel a burden to their family. VIP rides provides this opportunity. My clients are all positive role models for me. When I work with a 95 year old lady who still takes the time to get manicures, has her hair well coiffed, applies makeup while being vital and cheerful, I can't help but be inspired. This is what I want to be in my older age! They all have such interesting stories if we take the time to ask. I know they are appreciative of this service. They tell me so every time I drop them off. The coordinators of this organization are very mindful of the needs of the volunteers. They are always positive and helpful when asking for our time.

I am a 72 yeqr old woman who has volunteered to drive people to and from errands, appointments, or other places, through VIP rides with Life ElderCare. I have found the staff there to be very well organized, courteous, and up beat.Every client that I have driven has had good things to say about the organization and the volunteers.

LIFE Eldercare is well organized non-profit group to volunteer for. I started in the early 1990's delivering Meals on Wheels as a substitute driver in the summers, as I worked for the school district the rest of the year. When I left my job in 2000 and became a REALTOR®, I had more flexible hours and was able to drive on a regular basis. LIFE Eldercare, in the Tri-Cities, is a wonderful program for people who not able to prepare their own meals anymore. The meals are healthy with a protein, vegetable, juice or milk for lunch. Every door I deliver to has a friendly face behind and always happy to see us. It is such a rewarding pleasure to be able to serve my community delivering Meals on Wheels. Pat Cote, Fremont, CA

I am a 72 year old woman who has driven Meals on Wheels on Friday mornings for 12 years, driven VIP rides clients to appointments and served on the organization's Board of Directors. Frequently, I am the only visitor my MOW clients get for the day. Although our visits are short, I know that the daily driver visits give both the client and their family the security of knowing someone will be making a visit each morning to check on their well-being as well as providing a healthy meal. I believe the benefits to the volunteer are equally as beneficial. We are given the opportunity to personally interact with clients who are not as healthy as we are. This kind of service brings a satisfaction to the volunteer's life that can only be appreciated by those who have experienced the joys of hands-on service and personal interaction. There is a light in the eyes of our volunteers and a joy of living I do not meet in most of my other pursuits! Even more interaction and friendship occurs with our Friendly Visitor or VIP Rides programs.

I have been friend of a senior (95 years old) over 3 years. Most of her friends died and she had to move from her home to a new elderly home. Our friendship brought happiness and meaning for both of us. I know that without the two hours weekly visit that we spend together, my friend is alone in her one bedroom all the week. This is a great program.

I have been for an elder Japanese American man now for the last 18 months. This has been a very rewarding experience for me, I have been able to sit down for a couple of hours every week and just talk to an extremely intelligent and witty individual. I have learned from his life and have enjoyed being part of his life. I am grateful for the opportunity that Life ElderCare Inc has brought to the Fremont, Newark and Union City residents.