This is an appeal to anyone who might have a heart for an eminently worthwhile ministry of compassion involving the elderly, the sick and the lonely, and/or abused/rescued animals.
The Love Squad is exactly what the name implies. Love (the force that created the Universe), Squad (denoting power and action). Translated: Love in Action! In addition to visiting lonely home-bound parishioners or those in care facilities, we will be branching out to the Douglas County Health Center and Town and Country Animal Rescue in Papillion who are in need of volunteers. Further down the line we will be branching out to the Veterans' Home and Hospital. Being home-bound myself, I know the frustrations! At least, I have my beloved wife, Diane.
Our mission will involve one-on-one visits with the loneliest residents/patients in these facilities (curated by the activity director) or in their homes. In the case of the Animal Rescue facility, the person in charge will do the curating, if needed. Visiting and walking the lonely, dogs and comforting cats; getting these animals out of their cramped 24/7 cages for a "break”. All are eminently rewarding experiences. Been there, done that, can verify.
I'm researching ways to make visits easy and enjoyable for both visitor and patient/resident, including conversation-starters, (except for the animals, "Woof" or "Meow" will do). Packets containing tips on conversing with patients/residents, 120 conversation-starters, links to seven fun YouTube videos, and more, as well as our Love Squad wristband will be made available. For those who cannot, or prefer not to visit personally, arrangements are underway for pen pal or phone pal sub-ministry. Personal visits are best, but any effort will help relieve loneliness and despair!
A little time spent, a wonderful way to obey one of Christ's mandates.
Aside from background checks (they don't want any serial killers running around their facilities) and perhaps a short training/orientation session at some of the facilities, we plan on taking care of all the initial "necessaries". You will know whom to call and they will be expecting your call. No quotas, no meetings, no time-commitments as far as the Squad goes. We're trying to make it as "participant-friendly" as possible so you can pick what you want to do, where and when. We tee it up; you just have to hit the ball.
See our brief YouTube video, ‘Waiting at the Last Stop’ (In Two Parts) link below, totaling about 5.5 minutes. It speaks to loneliness and may well touch your heart. This will not be the typical resident/patient visit. Your visits will be two-way conversations with responsive folks unless you choose to just sit with someone, like the women in the video, and can find soothing words, etc.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jack Prohaska.
Phone: (402) 556-6770
Email: lovesquad@myyahoo.com
