Volunteers drive the work of SFCSC

Jan 22, 2020

The coming year marks the 30th anniversary for Southern Frontenac Community Services Corp. (SFCSC). Thirty years delivering on our mission to work with others in the provision of health and social services and to contribute in ways that improve and maintain the quality of life of residents of South Frontenac and rural Kingston.

A large number of our clients are older adults who take part in the many activities and services we offer. Grace Café on Tuesdays, writing clubs, card games, fitness classes, they’re all available. There are also health support programs for the frail elderly, caregiver support resources, in-home services, and day programs for seniors who need enhanced assistance and close monitoring such as those living with Alzheimer’s.

An important part of what we do is to offer affordable and reliable assisted transportation to seniors and older adults with physical and/or cognitive challenges to help them get to where they need to go. Some people don’t have the resources for transportation, they may no longer be able to operate an automobile, perhaps it’s difficult to arrange appointments around family’s schedules or they may not have friends who can help. For some it is not possible to travel alone, carry objects, stand for any period of time or stay alone at a destination.

That’s where SFCSC comes in. We drive people to medical appointments, to run essential errands, to come to the Grace Centre for our social activities and day programs, and we deliver hot and frozen meals throughout the area. Every month we schedule well over 500 drives for people who need our help.

Over the last year SFCSC: delivered more than 8,000 nutritious hot and frozen meals; provided more than 5,600 drives to medical appointments; covered over 150,000 km; and logged more than 6,000 volunteer driving hours

This tremendous effort is only achievable because of our team of dedicated volunteer drivers. Without them we absolutely cannot provide transportation services. Not to mention the myriad other tasks, jobs, commitments and ways our volunteers contribute throughout the organization helping to maintain health and social services that are so valuable to have in a rural community, close to our homes.

There are many reasons people volunteer. To give back to their community, to build new friendships, to share their time and experience, enhance skills or develop new ones. It’s all meaningful and valuable.

We’d love to welcome you to our team and invite you to be a part of things at SFCSC. All of our volunteers are screened and trained, and volunteer drivers are reimbursed for mileage. The first step is to reach out to our volunteer coordinator to talk about your interests and matching you to a rewarding role. Please call us, 613-376-6477 ext. 211 for more info. www.sfcsc.ca