April
2006
For those of you who are faithful
Lubbock Senior Source readers, there is a new name attached to the “RSVP
Voice!” and I would like to introduce myself. I am Dana Bear the new
Lubbock RSVP Director. As many of you may know, Bonne Phillips retired
the end of February, and I started March 6th. I am so excited to be a
part of Lubbock RSVP, an organization I have admired for years. I grew
up in the small West Texas town of Colorado City, and I am a Texas Tech
University graduate. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home
Economics Education; however, I have never taught in the public school
systems.
It was in the
mid-eighties as a County Extension Agent in Ballinger, Texas when I
realized that I felt a passion and compassion when I was dealing with
the senior population. I decided at that time that I wanted to dedicate
my career to working with and helping this age group so I returned to
Lubbock and Texas Tech for additional education in gerontology.
I have lived in
Lubbock for the last 20 years and spent 16 of those years working for
the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services where I was a case
manager working with the senior population. In 1998, I was hired to be
the Service Coordinator for a pilot Alzheimer’s program called Community
Alzheimer’s Resources and Education. This program was developed to help
people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers find solutions to
the many daily problems these families face. Unfortunately, it was only
funded for five years.
I have had a
very diverse career. I have been a County Extension Agent in Post and
Ballinger, a home economist for an electric company in Big Spring, and a
regional sales training manager for Panasonic and Toshiba in Dallas.
I am looking
forward to my new challenge as the Lubbock RSVP Director. If you would
like to become an RSVP volunteer or have any questions about RSVP call
the office at
742-2423. I
would also like to thank the hundreds of active volunteers for the hard
work they do all over Lubbock.
OTHER
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
LOUISE
HOPKINS UNDERWOOD CENTER FOR THE ARTS is an exciting ever-growing
area of our community in which you can be a part. Volunteers are now
needed in the office to greet people, answer the phone and provide
information. You may work any time, any day on your own schedule.
Special events also need volunteers, so if you would like to be a part
of the growth, development and celebration of the art world here in
Lubbock, think about donating some of your time to the Underwood Center.
RONALD
McDONALD HOUSE at 1212 Indiana would appreciate your help in so many
ways to assist families during medical crises. You or your group could
provide meals for the families, bring baked goods to be enjoyed by all,
come to the House and do the daily chores for the families to give them
a day off or have a fundraiser to benefit the House. If you have the
time, you could share a few hours of your week on a regular schedule
working in the office, helping with housekeeping chores or driving the
vans – truly, helping to make the House a home.
BIG BROTHERS
BIG SISTERS, 1706 23rd has several volunteer activities that will
help children who need another adult in their lives. Mentoring
volunteers need to make a one year commitment to meet with a child once
a week for at least 2 hours doing activities they both enjoy. Or, if you
like office work, staff support volunteers are needed in their offices a
few hours a week to help with different projects. Volunteer board
members meet once a month to discuss agency policy and activities and
help with fundraising efforts. Something for everyone!
To
volunteer, or for more information about these or other volunteer positions, please call the RSVP office at 742-2423.
HOW do I join RSVP?
Becoming a member of RSVP is simple as long as you are at least 55 and have some time to volunteer. Just call the office at 742-2423 and chat with Ronda Casey or
Dana Bear about your interests. If you are not certain what you would like to do, we can mention several current volunteer opportunities and send you a list of the sort of jobs which RSVP members are presently doing to whet your appetite. If you have a special skill or talent that you would like to utilize, we will search to find just the right job for you. Just mail in the
enrollment form
(requires Adobe Reader) and we will call you!
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