Programs, community partnerships a boon to SCVN clients

While the actions of one McHenry County nonprofit are extensive, the impacts are even greater.

For more than two decades, members of the Senior Care Volunteer Network have been working toward the organization’s goal of helping seniors maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Volunteers help SCVN achieve its mission by providing services such as transportation to life-critical, life-sustaining as well as life-enriching destinations, friendly visits, minor home repairs, yard work, and shopping all at absolutely no charge to the senior.

In the last fiscal year, for instance, 2,241 unique seniors were served by SCVN programs, volunteers drove more than 161,000 miles, and nearly 18,000 volunteer service hours were logged. Those services saved seniors and their families $480,741.

The Senior Care Volunteer Network is also the largest medical equipment loan closet in McHenry County. Through the program, items including wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, and more, are donated and then recycled back out to those in need.   Annually, more than 1,200 people are able to take advantage of the free program. The local hospital, doctors’ offices and physical therapists refer patients to the equipment loan closet.

SCVN volunteers also help with monthly deliveries such as senior nutrition boxes, incontinence products and birthday floral arrangements.

Through the organization’s Resource Center, seniors and their families are able to get referrals and assistance.

A number of partnerships, such as with the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Countryside Flower Shop, Trader Joes, Locker’s Flowers, Applecreek Flowers, The Pioneer Center, and Diaper Bank of Northern Illinois helps provide food boxes, birthday flowers, and incontinence products to care receivers.

“SCVN’s services not only address the needs of the seniors but also their families,” Outreach Director Laura Turasky said.

Interested in helping SCVN further its mission? Become a volunteer. Visit https://www.scvnmchenrycounty.org/become-a-volunteer/ for more information.

Senior Care Volunteer Network : 42 East Street Suite C : Crystal Lake, IL 60014 : 815.455.3120 : https://www.scvnmchenrycounty.org/