Support MVES' Elder Independence Fund
As Executive Director of Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES), I frequently hear uplifting stories about clients that we are able to help in truly meaningful ways. These stories make me feel good about our agency, our employees, our donors, and our mission to support the right of elders to remain independent. I wanted to pass one of these stories on to you in hopes that you will be inspired to support MVES for the first time. Please consider making your first gift to MVES by donating to the Elder Independence Fund. Here is an example of two people you would be helping if you donate:
Maria suffers from end-stage Alzheimer’s disease and continues to live in the community with the loving care of her husband and primary caregiver, Steve. Due to a significant loss of Maria’s mobility, it was becoming increasingly difficult for Steve to help his wife with day-to-day living tasks like brushing her teeth, getting her ready for bed, and taking her to appointments. Steve started to feel overwhelmed by the amount of time and physical strength that it took him to get Maria ready for her day. He lay awake many nights worrying about how he could afford the necessary adaptive equipment to continue to care for Maria at home on a very limited income. He knew they needed help.
When Steve called MVES to explain his wife’s situation, Maria’s case manager looked to the Elder Independence Fund. The couple was granted $600 to purchase a lift chair that would allow Maria to stay at home. When Steve received word of the grant, he was so thankful that he called the case manager his “guardian angel.” He said he would be able to sleep at night knowing that his wife had the equipment that she needed so badly.
By drawing upon the resources of the Elder Independence Fund, MVES can provide a pair of eyeglasses, a hearing aide, a lift-equipped chair, or assistance with paying for moving services to a local elder who resides in the communities of Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, and Wakefield. The fund may be used to purchase food, fuel, shelter, prescriptions, and other items of necessity.
Each year through the Elder Independence Fund, MVES awards grants ranging from $99 to $1,500 to pay for an urgently needed item or service to help low-income elders remain independent. Thanks to our donors’ combined generosity, every year we are able to award over $20,000 in services and equipment to older adults through this community-funded resource. Consequently, each year MVES must replenish this important cash resource so that we can sustain and increase the capacity of the Elder Independence Fund.
It is only through donations that we are able to help low-income seniors, like Steve and Maria, with the Elder Independence Fund. Unfortunately, we are not able to support every eligible request that is presented to the Elder Independence Fund. That is why I really hope that you will give to MVES for the first time. When you join us, your contribution will allow us to replenish this fund and allow it to continually grow as the need grows. Your gift will mean we can provide more assistance to those who need it most, to those who have nowhere else to turn, to those who have asked MVES for help.
Please remember that this fund is used as a last resort to provide community services, purchase essential home care equipment, or address situations of need for which there is no other government program or charitable resource. Therefore, you can be assured that your donation to the Elder Independence Fund will go where it is most needed. One hundred percent of your donation will be used to purchase needed services on behalf of area elders and caregivers.
I have highlighted Steve and Maria’s story to show you just one example of how the Elder Independence Fund was able to help a real family in a real way. There is probably somebody in your own life who is in a similar situation and who may be struggling to stay at home. If you know someone who has received help from MVES, please consider asking them what that help has meant. I’m confident that they will tell you it made a difference—a big difference.
I would suggest that you consider making your gift in honor of a special friend or in memory of a loved one. In the past, we have received gifts to honor an anniversary, to celebrate a birthday, or to recognize a shared belief in supporting local elders. If you choose to make your gift in honor of a special individual or occasion, we will send a letter of acknowledgement to the person(s) of your choice. This provides a great opportunity to let others know you have become part of the MVES family. Join us by giving to the Elder Independence Fund this season.
Please realize that your donations help us to help elders. When you give to the Elder Independence Fund you will demonstrate that you believe in our mission and you will prove that you are willing to help us see it through! And, do not forget that you or a family member may need some help and we will be here for you. Do not hesitate to contact us with any and all questions.
Happy holidays to the people and families that we serve and to all the loyal supporters of MVES.
Sincerely,
Daniel J. O’Leary
Executive Director
PS: Be creative with your gifts! Make your donation to the Elder Independence Fund in honor of someone or something special. Did you know you could make your gift on our web site? Just click here! It’s quick, easy, and secure. Say “Happy Holidays” to someone you care about through a gift to MVES!
