I have wanted to do something for the Community of St. Malachi members who may be in need of some type of short-term assistance, due to such things as illness or a death in the family.  The Community has a wonderful tradition of caring for those with serious or terminal illness, and their families.  It has never been my intention to replace that ministry.  However, Social Action has been aware that there are many Community members who do not have an adequate support system when in need of a temporary helping hand.  It is for these people that the Social Action Committee is offering a connection to Community volunteers.

First, let me thank the Social Action Committee members who have worked so hard on this project.  Then, the committee wants to say a big THANK YOU to all of the wonderful Community members who have volunteered to be a part of this plan.  At this point, people have volunteered to provide:  some transportation, an occasional meal, some light house cleaning, a load or two of laundry, or picking up a few groceries or a prescription.  One person offered companionship for someone recovering from surgery, and a few men offered to help with some light home repair (fix-it).

The committee believes that we can now accept requests from those Community members with one-time or short-term needs.  The plan is simple:  the person requesting assistance calls the facilitator; the facilitator calls the volunteer; the volunteer then calls the person requesting and makes all arrangements directly between them.  For the present, I will serve as facilitator (the connection), but will soon be looking for someone else to serve in that capacity. 

For this plan to work smoothly, it is necessary for the person in need to contact the facilitator, hopefully, at least 24 hours in advance of the needed assist.  I know that there are many kind people who may want to request assistance for another person.  Please have that person contact the facilitator to make the request. The facilitator will not make the initial contact with the person in need.  This is to protect the wishes of that person and to make sure we know just what is needed.  There may be circumstances that would require other social services. 

The Social Action Committee requests your prayers as we get this plan off the ground.  If you have any questions – or if you would like to be included among the volunteers – please feel free to contact me (Helen Misener) 

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