Services for Shut-ins Faith In Action

Dear Linda:

       My mother’s 75 and lives alone. She can’t afford to hire a caregiver but desperately needs help. She’s a proud woman and deeply religious though she’s no longer able to attend church services. She’d accept help from a faith-based organization, but I’m not sure who to contact.

Out-of-State Daughter

Dear Daughter:

       Faith in Action is a national program that coalesces the power of volunteers from different faiths to serve people in need. Sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Northside Inter-Church Agency (NICA), the program provides no-cost service to low-income families, the homeless, disabled and elderly.

       Offering non-medical help, trained caregivers transport and give respite, run errands and shop, deliver monthly groceries and assist with paying bills, make assurance phone calls and home repairs, cook and do light housework in private and group homes or apartments, nursing or Hospice homes.

       While Faith in Action’s base is in Princeton, New Jersey, the program has spread to all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Visit www.fiavolunteers.org.

       According to local Program Director Peggy Badlato (817-626-1102), “NICA’s mission is not only to provide emergency services and resolve short-term crises, like food and financial assistance, but also to educate, mentor and train people in need. Good Works, NICA’s program that cares for the disabled and seniors citizens, enables those in need to stay in their homes and live longer independently.”

       “When family members and health care providers cannot fill the daily needs of a member of the community, the Faith in Action volunteer fills the gaps. Most belief systems include a mandate to help others. Faith in Action connects neighbors in need with those who want to make a difference.”