UPDATE: February 13, 2014
There will be a volunteer orientation for people who are interested in volunteering with Hearts and Hands. The orientation will be on Wednesday, February 19 at 3:00 at the Senior Center. Call 376.7723 for more information.
— by Cara Russell —
Didier Gincig, new Hearts and Hands Coordinator. Photo: Cara Russell
“It has been the greatest position of my life,” said Betsy Louton, as she and Didier Gincig sat and ate their lunches in the Hearts and Hands office at the Orcas Senior Center. Louton has been the H&H Volunteer Coordinator since the non-profit joined the Senior Center in 2009.
Now, nearly five years later, Louton has decided it’s time to pass the position along to someone new. “I loved the people we helped and the volunteers, but I think it’s a good thing for someone new to come in after five years and look at the program from a fresh angle,” said Louton.
Replacing Louton will be Orcas resident Didier Gincig, who will take the next six months to evaluate the program, seeing what works and what needs improvements. At the end of the six month position, Gincig will report to the Senior Center advisory committee, who are currently thinking about expanding the services that they offer.
“There will be changes to Hearts and Hands around the end of six months,” said Gincig. “Right now I’m learning and paying attention to who the people are receiving help, and the volunteers who are helping. I’m looking to see what needs doing. I already know that transportation is one important need for the elderly and disabled in our community.”
Louton appreciates that Gincig has a strong affiliation with the Odd Fellows and the community, and she believes that these connections will contribute to making Gincig a good Program Coordinator. “I want to be more involved in the community, help people, have a project I’m excited about, and make a difference in people lives,” said Gincig.
H&H trains and places volunteers with elders and disabled persons in need. Volunteers visit once a week, and help out with light housekeeping, errands, transportation, and above all, they help provide a much needed one-on-one relationship and human connection. A volunteer is not a caregiver; a volunteer is more like a friend, because when H&H pairs a volunteer to their person, they look for people who share mutual interests, hobbies or skills, and they try to make a compatible match.
“Hearts and Hands provides independent living for islanders in need, who wouldn’t be able to stay on the island otherwise,” said Louton. “As many of their worlds constrict and shrink, for them to have this person who cares about them, who is not paid, just someone there for them, is amazing for the well-being for the people.”
One of the most important things a volunteer can do is asses their person each week, and see if their need is growing. It is the first step, for someone to be there, be observant and know how a person’s doing.
Currently H&H has 24 volunteers, most over the age of 60, and they could use more. “Not only are we looking for volunteers, but if you know of someone who could use the services we can offer, we would like to hear from you about them. We also want to let more people to know that Hearts and Hands and the services we offer exists for those who need it,” said Gincig.
“This is not a job that you leave behind when you leave the office,” said Louton. “This has been one of the best experiences in my life, and I am happy to pass this position along to Didier.”
The aging community is growing, and the need is growing, and a volunteer is the first tier of help for the aging community, or the disabled.
Those interested in becoming a volunteer, or would like to learn more, can pick up a H&H brochure at the Senior Center or by going online. Didier would also be happy to talk with you personally about the program. Please call Hearts and Hands at 376-7723.
