It is my privilege to write a letter in support of the Good N.E.W.S. program. I can think of no better organization in the Azle, Tx community that exhibits the definition of “care”.
It has been my pleasure to have been associated with Terri Bartlett, program director, for more years than I can count. The work/support that Good N.E.W.S. provides for this community is invaluable. Terri Bartlett and her staff genuinely love the folks they provide services for and this shows through in the competency and enthusiasm they bring to the task.
The Azle area is a rural community and the Good N.E.W.S. program offers quality of life services (transportation, shopping assistance, yard work/minor home repair) that would not be available to our senior citizens without this program and the dedicated individuals who administer its services. They not only provide necessary services, but more importantly, they provide a human touch, a friend to visit with – something much more valuable and needed by many of the people they befriend.
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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"