Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers

Drawing form religious, business, civic and indivial resources, the Macomb County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers work to meet two mutually entwined and equally important purposes: to respond to the ever-growing needs of older and physically challenged adults living in our communities who struggle daily to maintain their independence at home, while providing meaningful opportunities for volunteers of all ages and abilities to enrich their lives and live out their faith by helping others.

The Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers envision a community of caring that makes it possible for all oder and disabled adults to enjoy independence and qualitiy of life through a network of supported, prepared and fulfilled volunteers.

In 1990, a group of religious leaders from southeastern Michigan began discussing the need for a faith-based program that could reach out to the rapidly-growing population of older and disabled adults who were struggling to maintain their safety, independence and dignity by remaining in their own homes. Urged forward by the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, and supported by the National Federation of Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, these leaders formed a task force to begin two new caregiving initiatives in Oakland and Macomb Counties. Catholic Services of Macomb offered to host one of the budding programs, and in July of 1992, a Program Coordinator was hired to begin an Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers program designed to serve frail and disabled individuals in Macomb County. After two years of development with local congregation representatives, the program became an independent community-owned charitable corporation, and a local Board of Directors was founded to govern the new organization in October of 1994.

Since its inception, the program has grown at a rapid rate and is currently supported by over 70 local congregations and dozens of businesses and organizations. Referrals for service and cooperative efforts have been arranged with over 80 local service providers.

Initial volunteer services began in December 1992, with a group of twelve eager volunteers. Over the past fourteen years the program has registered over 2,000 dedicated volunteers, and through their hard work has been able to serve over 1,200 older and disabled adults. Volunteers, from all walks of life, as young as ten and as experienced as ninety, work together to provide essential transportation; help with housekeeping, meal preparation, home repairs and yardwork; relief breaks for full-time family caregivers; friendly visits, reassuring phone calls and emotional support to the isolated and lonely; as well as a variety of other services that help our struggling neighbors get by at home.

Annual Formal Dinner in March; Annual Bowl-O-Rama in May; Annual Charity Golf Outing in June; Annual Spagetti Dinner in the fall; 20th Anniversary Celebration in August 2012; and more....

The Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers program will try to find a helping hand for anyone who lives in Macomb and parts of Oakland Counties regarless of religious preference.  All older and disabled adults are eligible for help, however priority is given to those with the greatest need.  All services are offered without charge, although donations are greatly appreciated and help us reach out to more people in need.

The program matches volunteers of all ages with older or disabled adults to provide a variety of supportive services such as:  transportation and help with errands;  minor home repairs, maintence, chores, & yardwork; ligh housekeeping and meal preparation; friendly visits and supportive phone calls; respite care for full-time family caregivers; and other assistance tha can help someone remain safely at home.