I'm a member of a once-large Texas family that's dwindled over time to just two people: My Aunt Annie, now 100 years old, and me, her nephew, and I now live far from Azle, near Washington, DC. Over the past 10 years....more that 10, possibly...I managed to visit my Aunt somewhat often, as work schedules permitted, but not nearly frequently enough to attend to her needs. With her advanced age, those needs increased, and I felt helpless to find a solution. At about this time, Aunt Annie was blessed to have Good N.E.W.S. enter her life. The experienced and dedicated staff seemed to know exactly what to do, how to do it, and when to do it, and they volunteered their time unselfishly to ensure medical needs were attended to, living conditions were acceptable, and general needs were met. This enabled my Aunt Annie to remain living at home. She's a fiercely independent Texas lady, and wanted nothing more than to stay in her own home, and Good N.E.W.S. helped to make that happen. In later years, the level of her needs increased, but the volunteers dedication never wavered. Over time, I became aware countless instances of exceptional good deeds exceeding any expectations, continuing to provide a comfortable living situation for Aunt Annie and peace of mind for me. Terri and Joyce were involved in her life, and they made all the difference. Good N.E.W.S. is an amazing organization serving a critical need in the Azle community, and is deserving of all possible support. I simply can't put into words what a difference Good N.E.W.S., and their extraordinary team, made in the life of an amazing Texas lady, my Aunt Annie.
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Centers to Support the Independence of Specific Populations, Human Services
Mission: Social services to the elderly
Programs: The primary objective of the program is to establish a strong, well- informed and well-trained group of volunteer caregivers who will strengthen community approach and improve in home care for the elderly. The seniors who receive services from committed, caring volunteers realize the most obvious benefit, but the volunteer providing the services will also realize benefits from their involvement in the program. Research from the mayo clinic has discovered the connection between health and friendships/volunteerism, suggesting the increase in a sense of belonging and purpose, a boost in happiness, reduction in stress, and over all improvements in self-confidence for both the volunteer and the recipient. As a volunteer driven program, it is imperative that good n. E. W. S. Have an adequate number of volunteers to provide quality of life services, to our older neighbors. The program staff coordinates and manages volunteers as they are paired with a senior citizen to provide direct services such as telephone calls, friendly visits, shopping assistance, transportation, minor home repair, yard work, and light household chores. As with any non- profit organization many administrative volunteer opportunities are available, such as positions on the board of directors, fundraising organization and implementation, solicitation of monetary and other donations and grant writing. Good n. E. W. S. Offers volunteers the opportunity to get a sense of gratification from making a difference in someone else's life, thus, perpetuating the saying "changing our community-one volunteer at a time"