For seniors unable to drive, it can be isolating and nearly impossible to access the people, places, and resources they need to survive. Faith in Action Georgetown has been providing transportation for homebound seniors in our community for the past 19 years.
Thanks to this 501c3 nonprofit organization and its resources, seniors can maintain their independence as they age, thus improving their quality of life. Volunteers provide rides for clients to a variety of destinations including medical-related offices, grocery stores, barber/beauty shops, banks, activity centers, support groups, and more. With over 13,000 rides in last year alone, and averaging 170 rides per week, they stay busy keeping seniors connected.
Curbing the Crisis
At double the national average senior population, Georgetown has become a magnet for the retirement community. Unfortunately, with social distancing measures in place, the once lively downtown has become a ghost town.
During this pandemic crisis, Faith in Action is taking the appropriate measures by keeping their staff, volunteers, and clients at home and safe. They not only serve seniors, but their average volunteering age is 68, both within the COVID vulnerable population. To protect everyone, all transportation has temporarily ceased unless medically necessary.
Continuing Connections
With social distancing measures in place, everyone is affected and there is a common general feeling of isolation. Faith in Action is combating coronavirus by finding new ways to keep everyone connected and continuing their efforts to assist our seniors while keeping everyone safe. It’s not just the rides they provide, but the bonds that are formed, and the relationships that help to keep everyone strong.
After calling their 900 Clients, checking on them, and seeing how they could best support them, Faith in Action launched the Buddy Program. Twice a week, volunteers call to check up on their clients to see what they might need and how to best utilize Faith in Action’s resources. This includes assisting with ordering groceries online and even curbside pick-up.
Putting Technology Pieces in Place
Faith in Action is keeping up a presence through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telecommunications, allowing them to be mobile and remote. The VoIP technology allows you to make and receive voice calls using a broadband Internet connection from anywhere in the world. By answering phones in real-time and having “Faith in Action” show up to the receiving end no matter the location of the caller, it helps keep things familiar and cements the bond where they’ve already built that trust.
Recently Microsoft announced that they are donating up to 10 licenses of Microsoft 365 Business Premium for 501c3 nonprofits. One of the core applications in this suite is Microsoft Teams. Having their documents in the cloud by utilizing Teams, has also been instrumental to their uninterrupted workflow, making the switch from office to home an easy transition. This unique tool is the digital hub that brings conversations, content, and apps together in one place all from a single experience.
Another pivotal point in how Faith in Action is staying connected as a team has been the use of the video chat feature on the Teams application. Taking advantage of the technology tools that CTTS has had the privilege to put in place is keeping them on top and ahead of their client and organizational needs. A Client with CTTS since 2017, we’re proud to help manage the various technologies that keep them up and running.
Finding Their Future
In order to remain adaptable to the current situation and establish a positive future outlook, the leadership team is currently planning what it looks like to return to a safe environment for their staff, volunteers, and the seniors they serve. Executive Director, Vickie Orcutt says, “We will continue to support our community and adjust how our services are provided to keep everyone safe.” The continuation of the Buddy Program as things stabilize will help keep everyone connected.
An extra unfortunate side effect from the health precautions they’ve put in place was the canceling of the annual Faith in Action Benefit Concert. While they were able to enjoy a live replay of a previously recorded event during a Facebook watch party, an event so well received by members of all ages in the community is best experienced in person. Typically held in the spring and having anywhere between 500-700 attendees, the event is now postponed and tentatively scheduled for Thursday, September 17th, 2020.
Serving over 900 seniors, the continued loyalty of nearly 450 volunteers is what keeps the wheels rolling at Faith in Action, allowing Georgetown seniors to fulfill their basic needs and maintain their independence. If you are able to share your time with some of our wonderful seniors, or help to sponsor an event, or would like more information about attending one of their inspirational events, you can find out more and get in touch with Faith in Action in any of the following ways:
Call: (512) 868-9544
Email Vickie at Director@FaithinActionGT.org
Visit their website at http://www.faithinactiongt.org/