ONE LOCAL NONPROFIT’S MAJOR IMPACT
As people age, many become isolated and homebound. Being isolated ultimately leads to a severe decline in mental and physical health. Whistlestop, a nonprofit serving older adults in Marin, envisions a different picture. It’s one where older adults are celebrated, honored, cared for, and given the same opportunities, quality of life, and independence they had when they were young. Transportation, nutritious meals, groups and classes, social events, health checks, information referrals and a welcoming gathering place are just a few of the ways in which Whistlestop is fostering connectedness and independence for older adults and people with disabilities. Here’s a look at the life-changing work Whistlestop is doing, the positive impact it has in the community, and how you can help those in need this holiday season.
A Human Connection
Larry is a retired civil engineer whose smile lights up the room. He relocated to California six years ago to move in with his daughter after his second wife had died. His friends and family were worried about him because he was all alone in his condo and had no community or meaningful connections in his life. When he moved, it was very important to him to remain independent, connected, and to keep his mind active. Whistlestop helps him with that. Larry tried many services when he first moved to Marin, but with Whistlestop, he found the human connection, warmth, and feeling of belonging he was craving. “Whistlestop is a lifeline to me. It helps me adjust to Northern California and to feel like part of a community, and to feel useful. I volunteer as a host at Whistlestop for three hours every Wednesday, and they’ve been really accommodating. I enjoy the people and relationships there. “I participate in their activities and remain as active as I can. It’s great to meet other seniors with whom I can interact, so I am grateful to Whistlestop for being available to meet my needs. I also know a lot of the drivers who pick me up and I enjoy chatting with them.” Larry’s daughter Allison appreciates how the organization makes it easy for her and her family to care for her father. “He always loved to learn, so we get him involved in the classes here. He is someone who’s always put others before himself, and who takes pride in his intellect and in learning new things. He takes classes four times per week, and his volunteering makes him feel like he still has a purpose. “It’s important for him to be in the mix with others, whether in a group or special luncheon or celebration. It’s about being in a community that’s more than just my household, which has gotten smaller since my kids have gone to college.”
Nourishment of Body & Mind
Rita had a stroke about 20 years ago, which left her in a wheelchair and without the use of one of her arms. Through Whistlestop’s Meals on Wheels program, she receives meal deliveries three days per week, stocking her fridge with seven full days of nutrition. Without the program, Rita doesn’t know how she would get her meals. “The meals are important to me. All I have to do is heat them up. But more than that, the people who deliver the meals do more than just bring in food. Whistlestop volunteers who deliver meals go above and beyond and carry out a safety check for each person they deliver meals to, reporting any potential issues or concerns. “I personally know the people who deliver my food, and they are always concerned about me and want to help in any way they can. One day I fell off my chair and they didn’t leave until the paramedics came to help me. After, they came to check on me to see if I needed anything. Whistlestop is like a second family to me.” The Meals on Wheels volunteers who deliver her food, Janice and Lee, feel similarly. “We really enjoy Rita’s company. We’ll bring in her food, set everything up, and stay for a while to chat.
The Community Impact
In 2017, Whistlestop helped 11,363 older adults stay connected to the community through their various programs and services. Through their special needs transportation programs, Whistlestop provided over 351,000 rides to adults living with disabilities, provided almost 5,900 bags of fresh and healthy groceries to low-income older adults, and provided over 92,000 home delivered meals. They also gave free rides through CarePool and other volunteer driver programs, 13,790 this year to be exact.
What You Can Do to Help
As the aging population in Marin County grows, more and more older adults and their families rely on Whistlestop. More then 20,000 older adults in Marin County currently live in poverty. They struggle to make ends meet, and they rely on Whistlestop. As a nonprofit, Whistlestop depends on donors like you for support. Pay it forward this holiday season so that Whistlestop will be here to help when you need them. Learn more at www.whistlestop.org.