Howdy Partner!
By Renee Adkins
What does it mean to partner with NCBAM’s Call Center?
It all begins with a phone call to the Call Center from an aging adult needing assistance with a safety concern–such as a wheelchair ramp for a loved one to be able to get in and out of their home safely. Call Center Specialists begin to reach out to churches in the individual’s community. We have been very blessed to partner with Baptist Associations and hundreds of churches and volunteers across North Carolina that are eager and willing to help those in need.
Volunteers donate their time and skillset to build wheelchair ramps. One of the main obstacles is the funding of ramp materials. Many times, older adults are on fixed incomes and have no means to contribute toward materials. Sometimes, churches can contribute both volunteers and funding.
What happens when funding is not available? We seek other community agencies and share a service opportunity. Some Senior Resource Centers receive grant money that can be used to purchase materials. Other times, we may contact local civic groups or Boy Scout troops that may be looking for a service project.
Hearing the hardships of aging adults can certainly pull on one’s heartstrings. However, once a ramp has been built, individuals call us to say how appreciative they are for the assistance. The joy in their heart comes through in their voice as they share with us how much of a blessing the ramp is for them. Volunteers also share their gratitude for the opportunity to minister to others and share God’s love through their service. Thank you, partners, for your labors of love!
If you, or your group or agency, would like to partner with NCBAM to help aging adults in your community, contact us at 877.506.2226. We’ll contact you when there is a need in your community. (There is no commitment; we’ll understand if the time is not right.)
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Renee Adkins serves as a Call Center Specialist with NCBAM. Contact Renee at radkins@bchfamily.org
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