Progress and Problems

If you are coming in person to the NVC offices, you can’t help but notice the large structure being erected in our parking lot. This is a dual-purpose structure which provides shaded parking while also supporting solar panels to create electric energy. Trudy, our grant writer, worked with Kathy to write a grant proposal to Arizona Public Service. When it was approved, the grant paid for building the structure. NVC benefits by having shaded parking and by receiving an ongoing discount on our monthly electric bill. The environment benefits by having an additional source of alternative energy. Win-Win! Thank you Trudy and Kathy!

It was the misfortune of NVC to have thieves break into our fenced parking lot to steal catalytic converters from two of our vehicles. The next day, the thieves returned and tried unsuccessfully to enter our building. There was a flurry of activity as law enforcement came to investigate. One of our board members, Sharon Hettick, notified Channel 3 and their news team came to film a news article about our plight. A Go-Fund-Me account was created from which we have received donations to help defray the cost of replacing the converters as well as increasing security at the site. We have insurance which will also help pay for the loss. Kathy is working on getting the additional security installed. NVC is resilient and moving forward despite the unscrupulous acts of vandals.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I am partly of Irish descent. I love Corned beef and cabbage and step-dancing, so the month of March gives me additional opportunity for celebration of my heritage. Erin go Bragh! (Ireland Forever!)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MONTHLY MESSAGE

Dear NVC Staff and Volunteers,

The generosity and concern from the community about our plight with the stolen catalytic converters is so heartwarming. We raised $3005 in our Go Fund Me account and there were numerous donations made through the website to help us fix the van and put some security in place.To name one such donation: Palm West Community Church in Sun City West has sent a check to help pay for some Rings with lighting to help with security. We have the van back and on the road again.

We have some new folks working with us in the office. If you get a chance come in and say hi to Steve Royer. Steve is our new Dispatcher and will be featured in the next newsletter. Steve has jumped right in with only a few days training with Kim to learn the dispatching system and is doing a wonderful job. One of his new projects is to work with a pharmacy to find a efficient way to schedule and get groups of our riders to get their vaccines.

You may also catch Mel our new bookkeeper when you stop in the office. Mel has 30 years’ experience in accounting and has some wonderful ideas to help make invoicing easier. Both really good additions to our organization!

It’s March and I am seeing videos and memes about it being a year since COVID changed our daily lives. My reaction to those reminders was to take a couple of days off to go to the beach in San Diego with my daughters. There were very few people out on the beach and we stayed safe. I now feel great! Please remember to take time for mental health days and for moments of joy often!

Have a great St Patrick’s day.

VOLUNTEER NEWS by Trudy Ware

Good morning Volunteers –

The month of February is over and if you are like me the exhilaration of a new month is at hand. When I was a kid I remember the folks saying, “In like a Lion and out like a Lamb”. I can remember looking for the Lion and when I didn’t see the Lion, I looked for the Lamb. It became a great game kids played. The enjoyment I remember was longer days – more time to play and warmer weather – no more boots and heavy coats, AND the sun was shining, just above my head.

Although many sayings are based on observation and are accurate, others are the rhymes and beliefs of those who came before us. Folks believed the saying might have a connection to the stars - At the start of March, the constellation Leo (the Lion) is on the eastern horizon at sunset. By the end of the month, Aries (the Ram) is on the western horizon." The adversity of the constellations had a profound change on the environment.

Year 2020 is behind us and the ensuing months of 2021 is at the forefront – exciting times for Northwest Valley Connect. While contacting people in nooks and crannies, Steve shares with them the great job our volunteers are doing as drivers, and call center representatives, AND then he asks for their time as a volunteer. Linda is sending out Donor Letters thanking people for their support – and Sally is calling Surprise clients, sharing with them the value of our ride and food assistance services. Mickey has her group of people calling the most vulnerable clients, so they don’t feel isolated. Connie is working on fundraising activities. Grants are going out to funders identifying NVC’s survival success through the pandemic -all are efforts coming from our community of volunteers.

The reward is NVC’s visibility in communities which is stepping up – more people are requesting rides. Activities our volunteers commit come from a “servant’s heart”, and I can say that so many are grateful.

As you know we are not the only organization struggling with “volunteer attraction” Like yourself, Kathy and others are putting motivating words out there that WE NEED VOLUNTEERS. It’s coming - we’re on the phone, zoom, or internet talking to people – Special people become our volunteers. Yesterday a gentleman stepped up to be a driver – and I received a call from Experience Matters asking, “How can we help?”

In like a Lion and out like a Lamb – we are moving forward with strength and soon we’ll receive the gentleness of spring. We have a great group of people at Northwest Valley Connect.

Thank you,

Trudy Ware

Volunteering as the Volunteer Coordinator

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT- Elaine Miller

My various positions at NWVC include answering the phones in the call center, helping out at fund raisers and booths at various community events, and making wellness calls to check on the welfare of the clients during the pandemic.

NVC is a wonderful agency, and it is an honor being able to assist in a small way with the transportation needs in the west valley.

On my bucket list was going up in a hot air balloon. My daughter‘s birthday gift a few years ago was a balloon ride in Sedona on our annual trip there. Needless to say, it was an awesome experience that I will always remember.