Thanks Partner!

Tanque Verde Lutheran Church Volunteers’ Visits Bring Joy

By Debbie Montoya, LSS-SW ROSS Program Coordinator

Changing lives, one moment at a time—that is what Tanque Verde Lutheran Church, http://www.tvlc.org volunteers have done for dozens of residents living in low income housing complexes in Tucson. Congregants have partnered with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest to offer Craycroft Towers’ residents some special events and enjoyable interaction over the last two years, accumulating more than 150 volunteer services hours and contributing over $400 toward a program designed to enrich the lives of the elderly and disabled.

The ROSS (Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency) grant provides programming to residents of three low income housing complexes in Tucson: Tucson House, Lander Gardens, and Craycroft Towers. The residents of the three facilities are elderly and disabled with little or no transportation. “Most of the residents have isolated themselves from the world,” said Debbie Montoya, ROSS Program Manager for Tucson.

Debbie works with volunteers to enhance residents’ health and emotional well-being, she explained, “The ROSS Program brings an array of activities to the houses including fitness classes, nutritional forums, art classes and computer skills.” Debbie and Rachel Seitz, the program’s new Volunteer Coordinator, work with several churches to bring social activities to the residents.

“Craycroft Towers residents have been graced with the wonderful volunteers from Tanque Verde Lutheran Church,” said Rachel. “The residents have come to love the volunteers and look forward to all the activities the members provide. The residents have enjoyed such events as spaghetti dinners, birthday parties, bingo and Thanksgiving dinner celebrations.”

One resident said, “When Andrew [a volunteer] and his family made us Thanksgiving dinner, they made me feel special. I would have spent Thanksgiving alone.” The joy of giving and receiving are felt by both residents and volunteers.

Connie and Ralph Retter plan and participate in a monthly birthday party for Craycroft residents. Connie has thoroughly enjoyed her time with the residents and is working with Debbie to come up with a variety of enjoyable and entertaining activities. Connie said “I know that we can make our friends at Craycroft Towers and our own lives more blessed.”

The personal interaction the volunteers have with the residents is precious. Your participation and time makes them feel they matter. Thank you Tanque Verde Lutheran Church volunteers. http://www.hud.gov/news/release.cfm?content=pr05-015.cfm