Volunteers put their 'Faith in Action' to help community's elders


Nancy A. Marshall, Ph.D., OTR, is the program director of Faith in Action of Hampden County, based in Springfield. Marshall is in need of volunteers who are interested in helping seniors remain independent in their homes. Reminder Publications photo by Lori Szepelak

April 5, 2010

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD -- A Longmeadow woman's faith in others is at the heart of a local organization she has directed for more than five years.

Nancy A. Marshall, Ph.D., OTR, is the program director of Faith in Action of Hampden County, based in Springfield. Marshall is in need of volunteers who are interested in helping seniors remain independent in their homes.

Nancy A. Marshall, Ph.D., OTR, leads Faith in Action of Hampden County, an interfaith volunteer caregiving program of the Council of Churches of Greater Springfield. With a single agenda, according to Marshall, the organization has been serving the Greater Springfield area since 2004 by helping older citizens remain in their homes and maintain their independence.

More than 25 years ago, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation started a national Faith in Action movement, providing services to help improve the quality of life for elders, citizens with physical disabilities or mental health challenges.

Marshall noted that the local program ran out of grant money in 2008, and the only money that now comes in is from fundraising efforts and grant writing -- when she has time.

"There are no employees," Marshall said during an interview with Reminder Publications. "I'm a volunteer too."

Marshall praised Jean Troutman of Springfield, who has been helping her for more than a year on fundraising and marketing in the Greater Springfield area.

"We've never raised more than $2,000 so that is our annual budget," Marshall added.

As program director, Marshall oversees the volunteers across the region who serve in a neighbor-helping-neighbor role -- ensuring that older residents can maintain their independence.

"I meet so many nice people in this work," she said.

From the seniors who benefit from this free service to the network of volunteers, she couldn't image retiring from her role -- at least not yet.

"People want to stay in their homes," Marshall said. "We get a supportive system going that works for everyone involved."

The Rev. Paula E. Alexander of the Council of Churches of Greater Springfield shares the sentiments of Marshall.

"This program is important to the council because it helps us to fulfill our purpose and mission," Alexander said. "It provides resources that the community needs, but more importantly, it is a way to demonstrate the love of Christ to our community."

Marshall spent more than an hour sharing her personal success stories, including Paula of Springfield, who lives alone and was always asking her sons to take her to physician appointments. Marshall noted that Paula only needed someone she could depend on for an occasional ride to appointments, and when she was connected to a volunteer, her stress level went down dramatically since she wouldn't have to depend solely on her sons.

"I like to see the friendships work out," added Marshall.

Volunteer opportunities range from minor home and yard maintenance, companionship through friendly visits, and transportation to doctor's appointments or religious services, to respite for primary caregivers. Prospective volunteers must have transportation to and from the care receiver's home. A CORI check on all volunteers is also a mandatory requirement.

Volunteers will have the support of Marshall as a resource to help meet the neighbor's needs.

"Friendship is the basis for all Faith in Action relationships," Marshall said.

Marshall also emphasized that family members are encouraged to use Faith in Action to help bridge the gap in caring for their loved ones.

For more information on Faith in Action of Hampden County, call Marshall at 746-0237. She is also available to speak to local businesses and organizations interested in getting involved in the program.

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