How JABA Affects Lives
Virginia Roy knows a lot about aging services in Central Virginia. The author of the region's first guide for older adults, Virginia represented Charlottesville on JABA's Advisory Council, serving as chair for many years. "Based on tales from friends in other parts of America, I know that the caliber and variety of services offered by JABA are not necessarily available in some larger cities. Since JABA receives little in public (tax) funds, I am saying thank you and helping out with my modest monetary contribution."
How JABA Affects Lives
As her mother's memory began to fail, Betty Edmondson became responsible for all the decisions, then, "Her death left a hole in my heart ... Through JABA's Ombudsman Program I became a volunteer at The Laurels. The experience has given me an opportunity to give love and companionship to others, and help to see that their lives are as pleasant as possible. Perhaps there is also an element of ‘paying ahead', as I would hope for such an advocate should I ever need one."
How JABA Affects Lives
At the city housing community where Daniel Meeks lives, JABA plays a large role in residents' lives. There's the VICAP volunteer who "makes sure residents get the insurance plan that fits them ... A wonderful nurse, always willing to help, even coming to my apartment ... The young people from the UVa School of Nursing - eager to learn and to help ... JABA has helped me so much. If only to listen to my worries and do what they can to make it better - a truly great organization."
How JABA Affects Lives
JABA's Community Centers are full of surprises, but what Gloria and Pete Madden found was special. "My neighbors kept saying, ‘You ought to go the Center.' So, I finally did," says Pete. A few weeks after that Gloria joined. They were married 13 months later. Perhaps it was their shared volunteer spirit. Pete is a FISH tutor and president of JABA's Greene Center. Gloria leads the Center's prayer group and volunteers with her church's women's group. Add large and welcoming families on both sides and, as Gloria says, "It was like it was meant to be."
How JABA Affects Lives
Olivia and Clark Gathright grew up surrounded by loving grandparents and great-grandparents. Their family and school have traditions of helping others. The decision to launch The Pillow Project, however, was all theirs. When the siblings heard of the need for new pillows at Mountainside Senior Living, Clark says, "We were inspired because it was something we could do." Olivia designed the logo and within a few months they were near their goal. "We are so privileged," says Olivia. "This was our opportunity to share."
How JABA Affects Lives
Once a month, Roland Clark takes to the back roads of Nelson County delivering frozen meals to the homebound. His visits bring more than food. "Some live alone and in remote locations. You try to cheer them up a bit, and ask what their general support and family is like." The deliveries are a lifeline for the people he visits but only part of Roland's volunteer activities. Roland gives his time with the Literacy Volunteers of Nelson County and on JABA's Volunteer Council.
